March 13, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's tennis team is heading south to face The Citadel, in Charleston, S.C. Wednesday, March 14. The match is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the Earle Tennis Center.
The Citadel, a Division I university and military academy, is a member of the Southern Conference and is 2-6 on the season. The Bulldogs' Daniel Dossetor is ranked No. 118 in singles by the Fila Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) national rankings, and is currently 6-1 at No. 1. Dossetor is also nationally ranked at No. 52 in doubles with partner James Easo. The duo is 5-3 on the season and 16-5 overall at No. 1 doubles for the Bulldogs.
The Redbirds, who are currently 6-5, will be looking to improve their record after splitting a two match homestand. The `Birds captured a win March 3, posting a 7-0 win over Saint Louis, but fell to Eastern Illinois the next day, 3-4.
Head coach Greg Kennett and his team is looking to stay injury free and mentally prepare for the match.
"We were pretty beat up on Sunday playing Eastern Illinois. Alfredo (Lagarda) was injured and we are looking to get healthy," said Kennett. "We will not be changing much because we believe in what we are doing. We just need to play a little better. I have been stressing the importance of confidence and determination on the court."
In South Carolina, the `Birds will have the opportunity to play outside against some tough competition.
"The Citadel has a nice tennis program," said Kennett. "They have lost some close matches to some good teams. It is going to be a battle for the win."
The squad, who left Sunday, will have time to practice outdoors and prepare for the match.
"I am glad we are getting down south a couple of days before the match so we can get acclimated to playing outdoors," said Kennett. "This is going to be a great chance for us to play outside before our outdoor season begins."
Live stats will be available at www.GoRedbirds.com.
