March 14, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State will take a two-match win streak on spring break to The Citadel University Military College of South Carolina, where the Redbird men's tennis team will compete against Bucknell (3-3) and Marquette (7-5). The Redbirds (5-6) will face the Bison at 9 a.m. on Thursday and the Golden Eagles at 9 a.m. in Charleston, S. C.
At this time last year, ISU owned a 5-6 record, which is the same record the `Birds currently have this season. Last fall, Illinois State participated in the Milwaukee Tennis Classic hosted by Marquette and the Redbirds swept the Golden Eagles 3-0 in doubles and dropped Marquette in five of seven singles matches. Last spring, ISU topped Marquette 6-1 in a dual match also held in Milwaukee.
Head coach Greg Kennett believes the level of play will be a lot closer than last season against Marquette.
"Marquette is a team we play every year and we have a rivalry going on against them," said Kennett. "It just so happened we were both going to be in South Carolina at the same time so we decided to play head to head there. It's a good match for both teams and it will be close and an intense match. Hopefully we will do well."
Kennett looks forward to competing against head coach Rebecca Helt and the Bucknell Bison outdoors over spring break.
"I know Bucknell has a nice team so I expect to play a quality team on Thursday," said Kennett. "I know the coach and she has put together a solid team. The best part about this trip is being able to compete outdoors."
The two matches in South Carolina will serve as preparation for the Missouri Valley Conference season, which begins in just two weeks. Only three matches remain until league play begins on April 1.
"It's very important to compete with the fire and intensity we have had the last two matches," said Kennett. "We have won the last two in a row and we need to keep it up."
Illinois State will have the chance to climb above .500 in South Carolina.
