Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Close out Non-Conference Schedule at Marquette
3/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
March 7, 2012
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's tennis team heads to Milwaukee on Thursday, March 8 for their final non-conference match of the season to take on Marquette at 6 p.m. at the Helfaer Tennis Stadium. The matchup against the Golden Eagles marks the first of a four-match road stretch for MSU. Live Stats will be available at this
The Spartans enter Thursday's contest with a 10-6 record in dual action and are currently coming off a two-match win streak, sweeping their doubleheader at home last Saturday against Ball State and Cleveland State.
Marquette Scouting
Marquette is currently 6-6 on the season and will close out their three-match homestand with the Spartans. The Golden Eagles started off the season on a three-match win streak, picking up decisive victories over IUPUI, UIC and Bradley at home. MU sits at 0-4 in road action but holds a nearly flawless 7-1 record on their home court dropping only to No. 43 Drake last weekend in a close 4-3 score. Prior to that, MU picked up an easy victory over Southern Illinois, 6-1. Last year, the Spartans defeated the Golden Eagles, 6-1, sweeping the doubles point and four current Spartans picking up singles victories in the match.
Last Time Out
Last Saturday, MSU hosted a doubleheader at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility against Ball State and Cleveland State. The Spartans swept the matchups, first picking up an easy 7-0 victory against BSU. MSU won all three doubles matchups and then continued their winning ways into singles play, picking up all six victories as well. Aaron Pfister posted an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win over BSU's Dalton Albertin on court one.
In the next matchup of the day, the Spartans squared off against the Vikings in a handful of close matches. MSU easily picked up the doubles point, after winning two out of the three matches and carried that momentum into the singles lineup, winning five out of the six. On court five, Gijs Linders posted an impressive victory. After dropping early in the first set, the freshman battled back to pull out a 7-5 score and then cruised into the second set 6-0. Pfister also continued to dominate in the top spot for MSU. The sophomore fell behind right away but was able to post a comeback and win, 7-6 (3), 6-3. Pfister currently posts the best singles record for the team, sitting at 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the number one doubles spot.
Click here for last weekend's full recaps on Ball State and Cleveland State.
Top-Ranked Opponents
The Spartans have no doubt played one of their toughest schedules this season, taking on already seven ranked opponents. MSU has squared off against two opponents ranked in the top-ten, and four that sit in the top-25. The Spartans most recently picked up a victory over No. 73 Ball State.
Top-Ranked Opponents This Season
No. 2 Ohio State University
No. 7 University of Kentucky
No. 12 Mississippi State University
No. 19 University of Tennessee
No. 28 Notre Dame University
No. 35 University of Oklahoma
No. 73 Ball State University
Conference Kudos
The Spartans have picked up two weekly Big Ten awards this season with the most recent recipient being Denis Bogatov the week of Jan. 17. The Gurnee, Ill. native notched a 2-0 singles and 2-0 doubles record on Jan. 14 and helped the Spartans sweep their season-opening tripleheader against Bradley, Morehead State and Wright State.
Earlier this season, Aaron Pfister also picked up an individual Big Ten accolade after being crowned the conference's indoor champion in Iowa City back in November 2011. The sophomore went undefeated, posting a perfect 6-0 singles record on his way to winning the title and also advanced to the final round of the Flight A doubles draw during the tournament.
Meet the Spartans
The Michigan State men's tennis team will feature a student-athlete every week this spring in an attempt to "Meet the Spartans". This week freshman Harry Jadun (East Lansing, Mich.) sat down with msuspartans.com to answer some questions about his favorite music and sports. Next week, Spartan fans will get to know senior Ronnie Hulewicz.
Spartans on the Web
To see all of the latest updates and highlights on the men's tennis team, be sure to `like' their page on Facebook and follow them on twitter @MSU_Tennis.
Next Up
The Spartans begin Big Ten Conference action in Ann Arbor next Saturday, March 17th, taking on No. 24 Michigan. Action is slated to begin at noon at the Varsity Tennis Center.
