Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Hosts Final Home Matches
4/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 11, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern (7-13, 0-7) will host a pair of Big Ten dual matches this weekend, in its final two home matches of the regular season. The Wildcats welcome Minnesota at noon Saturday, April 12, before hosting No. 53 Iowa at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 13.
The Wildcats are looking for their first Big Ten victory this season as they inch closer to the Big Ten Championship. Currently in 11th place, the 'Cats would welcome a few conference victories prior to entering tournament play.
Northwestern will also recognize a few of its student-athletes this weekend as it presents annual awards on both Saturday and Sunday. The awards included will recognize student -athletes for their display in categories such as leadership, commitment and sportsmanship. Juan Gomez (Mexico City, Mexico/South Florida) will be honored as the lone senior competing in his final home match as a Wildcat, Sunday.
In its last outing, Northwestern dropped a pair of Big Ten matches on the road last weekend. The Wildcats fell to No. 2 Ohio State, 7-0, last Saturday, before dropping to No. 39 Indiana, 5-2, on Sunday. Despite remaining winless in-conference, the 'Cats have gradually shown signs of improvement, as they continue to earn both doubles and singles victories in Big Ten play.
Minnesota (4-14, 2-4) has struggled this season, but is coming off two-consecutive wins. After a dismal start to the year, the Golden Gophers picked up two Big Ten victories and find themselves gaining ground moving into the Big Ten Championship. The Wildcats would like to follow suit this weekend. If history fairs correctly a close match imminent, as Minnesota edges the all-time series, 45-46-1.
Iowa (10-7, 2-4) won its last match, 5-2, against Michigan State. The Hawkeyes have won three of their last five matches and have four Big Ten matches remaining in the regular season. The Wildcats have history on their side this weekend, as they have owned the all-time series against Iowa, 58-19-1.
After this weekend, Northwestern travels to Michigan State for its final dual match of the season at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19. The 'Cats are hoping to enter the Big Ten Championship, April 23-27 in Iowa City, fresh off three conference victories.
