With its two team leaders on three match win streaks, the Illinois State mens tennis team will begin conference play on April 6, when it travels to Bradley for a 3 p.m. meeting. Both Djordje Uskokovic and Guillermo Gomez are rolling as of late and will look to continue the trend against the Braves.
Uskokovic has won four of his last six matches at the No. 1 singles position, and is 8-3 since teaming up with senior Ben Pettinari at the No. 1 doubles position. Gomez has won five of his last six at the No. 2 singles spot, and has teamed up with four different teammates to go 8-5 in doubles play for the Birds.
Head coach Greg Kennett realizes that when his leaders play well the Birds are hard to stop.
We are a very deep team, up and down our lineup, said Kennett. But with Djordje and Guillermo playing solid tennis we become a very tough team to beat.
The Redbirds beat the Braves convincingly in 2004, 5-2, and dropped them 6-1 in 2003, but Kennett is not taking them lightly this time around.
Bradley is a much improved team this year, said Kennett. I am expecting a win, but by no means will it be a walk over. They have very solid players, and teams are always tough at home.
The Redbirds have never won the Valley title, however the team is poised and focused to get the season started on the right foot.
We are very ready to start the regular season, said Kennett. Everybody is healthy and enthusiastic. For the first time this season the majority of the team is playing very well.
