Feb. 7, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's tennis team will take to the road for the second consecutive weekend as the Redbirds travel to Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, Feb 9, to face Butler (0-7) and Rockford, Ill., on Sunday, Feb. 10, to take on Northern Illinois (1-2).
The Redbirds (1-2) will be looking get back into the win column after losses to Texas-Arlington and nationally-ranked (No. 47) SMU.
"I think we have a good chance to pick up a couple of wins this weekend if we play well," said head coach Cris James. "We have really been working on our mental preparation and emotional control in practice, so hopefully that pays off this weekend. Ultimately though, we are working to improve for conference play. A couple of wins this weekend would certainly help our confidence with regards to that."
The match against Butler on Saturday will be the Bulldogs' first home match of the season. It will also mark the beginning of an eight match home stand for Butler. The last time the two schools met, Illinois State pulled out a 4-3 victory on Feb. 10, 2007.
On Sunday, the Redbirds will face Northern Illinois in their home opener as well. It will also be the second of three consecutive matches against teams from the Missouri Valley Conference for the Huskies, who will see Bradley on Friday, Feb. 9, before facing the `Birds on Saturday, and Indiana State on Saturday, Feb. 16. On Feb. 18, 2007, the Redbirds defeated the Huskies, 6-1, in the last meeting between the two schools.
First serve is set to take place at 1 p.m. for both matches.
