Feb. 9, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State men's tennis team (2-4) will compete against the DePaul Blue Demons (1-5) Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Racquet Club. ISU will have a chance to break its four match losing streak, all of which occurred on the road.
The last victory for Illinois State was against Wright State in a doubleheader January 14, which was also the last time the `Birds competed at home. Since then, Illinois State has faced some tough competition, including No. 64 New Mexico and No. 31 Boise State.
Head coach Greg Kennett wants his team to come together and compete with more consistency.
"As a team we need to have the whole group playing well together. The team needs every player to show up and play hard every night," said Kennett. "We talked about going into competition and going into the arena or battle with confidence every time."
DePaul has dropped its last five matches and is looking to turn its spring season around against ISU. The Blue Demons have yet to capture a win on the road.
Kennett believe DePaul's record doesn't speak for the program.
"This weekend means a lot to us. DePaul is a good program, and they have had a tough schedule this year," said Kennett. "I don't put a whole lot into their 1-5 record. I know they are going to be ready to play on Friday."
Yohann Nograbat will attempt to lift his 1-4 singles record, while teammate Alban Renard will also try to improve his 3-5 singles record. In doubles action the `Birds will look to capture their first doubles point in four matches.
Kennett will stay with the same doubles lineup he used last weekend.
"We are going to leave last weekend's the doubles teams together for now," said Kennett. "We are working on our returns and playing together as a team. I think keeping the doubles teams together for right now is going to work out well for us."
This weekend's match is the first of three home matches over the next week for the Redbirds.
