April 13, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State Redbirds hope to extend their three-match win streak as they face Missouri State and Wichita State this weekend at McCormick Courts.
"They (Missouri State and Wichita State) are the last couple of tough matches we need to get through(before they head to the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championships)," said head coach Chris Hoover. "Missouri State is out to prove themselves and Wichita State is a much improved team since last year. Wichita State has been playing well so far and has the best player in the league."
Missouri State (5-9, 2-1) is fourth in the league right behind Illinois State (8-5, 4-1). The `Birds enter the match with no expectations but only with the mindset of fighting hard for the victory.
Wichita State (9-6 overall) is currently undefeated in the conference with a 3-0 record. The Shockers' record puts them ahead of the Redbirds at No. 2 in the conference standings. Much like the Missouri State match, Illinois State is looking forward to playing hard against the Shockers.
Hoover believes that if ISU plays its best, the weekend will end successfully.
"We have to play at well at doubles because the doubles point is key," said Hoover. "If we do not perform up to our abilities, we are going to be in trouble this weekend."
Illinois State faces the Bears on Saturday at 1 p.m., and then hosts Wichita State on Sunday at 10 a.m.
