Feb. 19, 2004
After beginning the season with five consecutive home matches, the Georgia Tech men’s tennis team travels to the state of Illinois this week for its first true test of the season. On Friday, the Jackets will face No. 1 Illinois (8-0), the defending NCAA Champion, at 6 p.m. followed by a meeting Saturday against Louisville (4-5) at 3 p.m.
“This weekend is a great opportunity for our team,” said head coach Kenny Thorne. “In our first match against Illinois, we are playing against a team that is ranked number one in the country and who has, dated back to last season, won 40 consecutive matches. Their coaching staff has done a great job with their their team and we are excited and ready to play them. After Illinois, we turn right around and play a very dangerous Louisville team. The key for us will be to focus on Illinois and then switch our attention immediately to Louisville after the match.”
Several Yellow Jackets are off to a strong start in singles play as Scott Schnugg, Jason Pieters, West Nott and Joao Menano have won all their dual matches this season. In doubles, Tech is off to an impressive start, as the Jackets have yet to drop a match in any flight.
“We are to a good start this year, but we’ll find a lot out about our team after this weekend,” Kenny Thorne.
Following the matches this weekend, the Jackets begin conference action, facing No. Duke on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. in Durham, NC.
