NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men's tennis team's spring season came to a close last Saturday, with a win over Missouri Valley Conference rival Drake. The Redbirds will now head to Wichita State, home of the MVC Conference Team Championships, to face off against conference foes Southern Illinois, Wichita State and Drake, along with America East teams Hartford, Stony Brook and UMBC.
"This is the weekend we've been playing for all year," head coach Mark Klysner said. "The guys have put in a lot of hard work and time on the courts to set themselves up well for the conference tournament. Last weekend was a great result for us, but now we need to focus on continuing that strong play and put all of our attention on the first match versus UMBC. If we play well, I like our chances, but it will be another good battle. I just know that the guys are ready to play this weekend."
Illinois State enters this weekend with a conference record of 1-2, ending their spring season with a 9-13 mark. Opposing teams Southern Illinois and Wichita State lead with a conference record of 2-1. Wichita State leads with overall wins this season, possessing a 15-10 spring campaign. Right behind Wichita State is Southern Illinois with a 13-4 record. Tying ISU's record is Drake with a 1-2 conference mark and a 15-11 spring campaign.
Since Klysner took over the Illinois State Men's Tennis program in 2013, ISU has had made it to the MVC Conference Team Championships semifinals twice.
The match versus UMBC is set to begin Friday at 9 a.m. If Illinois State can defeat UMBC, then on Saturday, competition will continue at 10 a.m. against No. 1 ranked MVC opponent Wichita State.
For updates during matches follow @RedbirdMTEN on Twitter.
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