Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Tennis opens MVC slate with Bradley, Illinois State
03/29/2010 | 12:00:00 | Men's Tennis
March 29, 2010
www.SIUSalukis.com
MATCH INFORMATION
Date(s): April 2-3
Location: Carbondale, Ill.
Site(s): University Courts
Head Coaches: Dann Nelson (75-60 overall; 57-46 at SIU); Jesse Plote (13-23 overall and at Bradley); Cris James (27-30 overall and at Illinois State) - Division I records only
Saluki Assistant Coaches: Hugo Vidal (Graduate Assistant)
NET NOTES
The Southern Illinois Men's Tennis team is in its 87th year of existence... Head Coach Dann Nelson is in his fifth season with the team and holds a 57-46 (.553) mark with the Salukis... SIU enters 2010 as the defending Missouri Valley Conference champions after an 18-7 (5-1 MVC) mark in 2009... The Salukis captured their first MVC crown since 1990 by defeating Drake, 4-3, in the MVC Tournament title match... In the NCAA Tournament, the Dawgs fell to #7 UCLA in the first round, 4-0... The Salukis 18 victories were the most since 1977, when they won a program record 21 matches... The 2009 squad's .720 winning percentage is the best since 1972 (.875).
ON THE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
The Salukis open their MVC schedule with two intrastate matches in Carbondale. Southern begin on Friday with a 2 p.m. tilt with the Bradley Braves, followed by a 1 p.m. match Saturday against Illinois State.
SCOUTING BRADLEY
The Braves enter Friday's match with a 5-10 record, including a 2-7 mark on the road. Led by second year head coach Jesse Plote, BU is looking to end their three match losing streak to SIU - their last win came against the Salukis came on April 22, 2006. Seniors Callen Fraychineaud, Richard Robinson, and Milos Romic lead Bradley on the courts.
SCOUTING ILLINOIS STATE
The Redbirds come to Carbondale sporting a 9-7 mark, but have lost four of their last seven since being ranked No. 66 in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Third year coach Cris James has not defeated the Salukis since he took over the Redbird tennis program, going 0-3 in his previous two seasons. Alexander Pelaez and Matez Zlatkovic pace the `Birds on the courts, as they have each posted 10 wins in singles.
THE LAST TIME...
SIU defeated both the Braves and Redbirds last season. The Salukis topped ISU on April 18, 6-1, while sweeping Bradley the next day, 7-0.
MVC OPENERS
The Salukis have only mustered a 1-3 mark in conference opening matches in Dann Nelson's tenure. The lone win came last season, when they swept Creighton in Carbondale. This year will also be the third straight season that the Dawgs begin their MVC slate at home.
DUBIOUS DOUBLES
Through two-thirds of the season, the doubles point has proven to be a clear indicator of success for the Salukis. The team has gone on to win every match they've played where they have won doubles, while only suffering one loss. That lone loss came on Feb. 28 against Northern Illinois, which resulted in a 4-3 loss for SIU.
END OF THE ROAD
With Saturday's 4-3 win over Murray State, the Salukis earned their first true road win of the season. Southern had managed a 0-5 mark before the win while serving as the visitors.
