Northwestern University Athletics
NU Ready to Close up Shop at Home
4/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 20, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill.--Northwestern's 42nd-ranked men's tennis team (14-6, 5-3 Big Ten) will complete its regular-season schedule this weekend at Vandy Christie Tennis Center. Slated for competition are No. 54 Michigan at noon on April 24 and No. 57 Michigan State at noon on April 25.
Last week, the Wildcats went on the road to face Ohio State and Penn State. On Friday, NU fell short against the Buckeyes, but it did have some quality individual performances despite the loss. Christian Tempke (Wentorf, Germany/Gymnasium Lohbr?gge) had a solid game at the No. 2 position, winning 6-3, 6-4. The freshman also took part in the only doubles win of the afternoon with partner Tommy Hanus (Palatine, Ill./Palatine).
Two days later, the Wildcats turned things around with a dominating 6-1 defeat of Penn State. Matt Christian (Troy, Mich./Brother Rice) cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win in singles and an 8-3 win in doubles with partner Adam Schaechterle (Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine).
With the win against Penn State, the fourth-place 'Cats are now in position to capture a first-round bye in the Big Ten Championship with a pair of wins this weekend.
"All we are thinking about are the matches at hand," said head coach Paul Torricelli. "Our immediate goal is to close out the season with these two wins at home. In both cases, we are prepared for a fight."
Michigan (11-8, 2-5) is coming off a pair of 5-2 losses to then-No. 68 Purdue and No. 1 Illinois. Wolverine freshman Brian Hung racked up a pair of wins last weekend, including an upset victory over then-No. 30 Phil Stolt of Illinois. Hung, who usually plays at the two spot, shares the team lead in Big Ten wins with five.
Michigan State (14-12, 1-7) has struggled in the conference, losing its past four and seven of its last eight. The Spartans, like Michigan, lost to Illinois and Purdue over the weekend in a pair of 6-1 matches. Senior Chris Mitchell carries a 16-8 dual record, including 6-2 in conference play. His two wins over the weekend represented the Spartans' only two points.
"Neither team's records truly reflect their abilities," said Torricelli. "We know their players-they all are very good. We have to play well to win both days; I think we will be ready."
Michigan State will play Wisconsin on Saturday before its contest against NU.
