Michigan State University Athletics
M. Tennis travels to face Western Michigan
4/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
April 5, 2011
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's tennis team hits the road for a mid-week matchup against non-conference foe Western Michigan on Wednesday, April 6 at 3 p.m. This is the Spartans first non-conference match since March 12, and their final non-conference contest of the season.
MSU is coming off two narrow defeats in Big Ten play, falling 4-3 to both No. 24 Minnesota and Wisconsin this past weekend, as the Green and White are still in search of their first conference victory. The Spartans are 13-6 on the season, and currently ranked No. 60 in the ITA weekly rankings.
Freshman Aaron Pfister remains a bright spot for the Spartans, bringing his dual match singles record to an impressive 16-0 with wins over Minnesota and Wisconsin this past weekend, and has defeated 15 of his 16 opponents in straight sets. Pfister has also added eight victories throughout the doubles lineup. Senior John Stratton has given the Spartans 10 wins in singles play, and has won eight matches in the No.1 doubles spot with classmate Jason Norville.
The Broncos enter the match as winners of five of their last six matches, posting an overall record of 11-9. Senior Michael Calderone has given the Broncos 12 victories in the No.1 and 2 singles spots, including victories over No. 40 Ferris State and No. 60 Purdue. Calderone has also played every dual match in the No. 1doubles spot, posting an 8-10 record. Six of his eight doubles victories have come with younger brother, sophomore Thomas Calderone.
The Spartans return to conference action this weekend as they travel to face Ohio State on Friday, April 8 at 3 p.m., followed by a visit to Penn State on Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m.
