April 12, 2007
NORMAL, Ill.-- -
Coming off two Missouri Valley Conference wins last weekend, the Illinois State men's tennis team will look to continue its perfect mark in the Valley as they head to Bradley Friday, April 13 for a 3 p.m. match. The `Birds then return home and take on Wichita State at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Weather permitting the match on Sunday will be held outside on ISU's McCormick Courts.
Last season Illinois State had a perfect 7-0 mark in Valley action and made history by winning its first MVC regular season championship. This year the conference championship title is in reach as the `Birds look to improve upon their 10-6 season record and 3-0 mark in the Valley.
There are many obstacles that the `Birds are looking to overcome, their most recent challenge is filling the role of their third singles and No. 3 doubles player, Nuno Jacinto. The sophomore is out for the season due to an emergency appendectomy to remove his appendix on Sunday.
Due to the unforeseen circumstances head coach Greg Kennett is looking to see his team step up to the challenge.
"With Nuno out it changes everything for us," said Kennett. "Bradley has an excellent doubles teams and with Nuno out we are just not as strong. We are going to need the guys to step up, and I think that we are capable of doing that."
The squad does not have much time to make adjustments as the war-on-74 between ISU and Bradley will be in full action on Friday. Bradley currently holds a 4-7 mark overall and is 0-2 in the Valley. The Braves dropped their first two conference matches to Southern Illinois and Indiana State, two teams that the Redbirds have already claimed a victory over this season.
The squad will play at home for the last time this season as they take on Wichita State. The Shockers are 7-7 and 1-1 in the MVC, with a win over Creighton and a loss against No. 52 Drake. Sunday's match up looks to be another challenge the `Birds will have to overcome as they try for a second Valley crown.
In conference action anything can happen and Kennett is fully aware and knows that this weekend is going to be a challenge.
"Wichita State has a good squad that is strong up top and plays solid doubles," said Kennett. "We certainly have an advantage being at home, however Wichita State is a good team and it is going to be a battle. This weekend is no different than the rest of the matches we have played in the Valley. It will be interesting to see what happens hopefully our depth will pull through for us this weekend."
