Feb. 12, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State men's tennis team returns to action this weekend as it travels to Muncie, Ind., Saturday (Feb. 13) to play Ball State and then head to Indianapolis, Ind., Sunday (Feb. 14) to face Butler. Freshman Alexander Pelaez has provided the Redbirds with several important victories recently and is a big reason the `Birds hold a 4-2 dual-match record.
Pelaez has won his last five singles matches and held a 5-1 combined record last weekend, only losing one doubles match. The Cuban native now owns a 13-6 (.684) singles mark and an equal 13-6 doubles record.
"It is very possible for us to come away with two wins this weekend," head coach Cris James said. "Both teams we're facing are solid and well-coached, but we've been doing a great job of competing lately and I'm looking for that to continue. The players are beginning to get into a rhythm as the season goes on, and their nerves are settling down."
The Redbirds have won four of their last five matches, including three wins at home. ISU will compete in seven-consecutive road matches beginning Saturday; three of which will be over spring break.
"Both of these matches this weekend are pretty important for us," James said. "In practice this week, we reinvigorated ourselves with a few things and brought the intensity back to our play on the courts. Hopefully, that will help us get a few wins heading into spring break when we'll be facing some very tough teams."
Saturday's match against Ball State is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., ET, at the Muncie Northwest YMCA Tennis Center in Muncie, Ind. The Cardinals hold a 2-3 dual-match record which includes three losses to Big Ten opponents.
Sunday's match will be held at the Butler Bubble in Indianapolis, Ind., where the Rebirds will take on Butler (2-4) beginning at noon. In March 2009, the Redbirds defeated the Bulldogs, 5-2, thanks to singles wins from Michael Hobson and current assistant coach Daniel Tobar.
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