Northwestern University Athletics
Harvard, Arkansas Next for Red-Hot 'Cats
2/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Feb. 12, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill.--Having won its last four matches, including a victory over then-No. 25 Pepperdine, Northwestern's men's tennis team has jumped 21 spots in the rankings this week to No. 37. The 'Cats (6-2) will have to work to maintain their number when they take on No. 21 Harvard at 3 p.m. Saturday and No. 25 Arkansas at 1 p.m. Sunday at Combe Tennis Center.
"I have learned not to agonize over rankings," said head coach Paul Torricelli. "I do think it is a very solid ranking for us at this point in the year. Anytime you move up 21 spots, you have to be pleased. However, rankings do not win you matches--you have to get it done on the court."
Two Wildcats who have been getting it done on the court are Christian Tempke (Wentorf, Germany/Gymnasium Lohbr?gge) and Adam Schaechterle (Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine), who are 6-0 as a doubles team. Tempke also is 11-4 in singles and has won five of his last six matches.
The Crimson (1-2) have a formidable doubles team as well in 32nd-ranked Jonathan Chu and Dave Lingman, with the latter also ranked 38th in singles. Last Friday they helped their team claim the doubles point against then-No. 10 Kentucky with their win at No.1.
"Harvard is a very experienced team," said Torricelli. "The fact that they have played so few dual matches so far will not come into play."
Also having a big boost in the rankings--in this case 15--are the Razorbacks (2-0), who are coming off a 4-3 upset of then-No. 13 Texas. That contest saw 14th-ranked Adrians Zguns and 50th-ranked Nathan Price win their matches at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in straight sets. Both won their doubles matches as well.
"Arkansas is a team we played last year and have a lot of respect for," said Torricelli. "They will be dangerous with their momentum."
The Razorbacks will meet DePaul in dual action prior to facing the 'Cats.
