April 7, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's tennis team (10-11, 0-4) will return home for a weekend series against No. 23 Michigan Friday, April 8 at 3 p.m. and No. 66 Michigan State Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m.
Last Sunday, the Nittany Lions fell to the Northwestern Wildcats for their fourth consecutive Big Ten loss, falling 4-3. The Wildcats swept doubles play, jumping to an early lead. The Nittany Lions traded singles victories with Northwestern but could not overcome the early deficit. Senior Eddie Bourchier (Hobart, Australia), junior Jason Lee (Sydney, Australia) and freshman Russell Bader (Austin, Texas) each chipped in singles victories in the comeback attempt.
Bader enters the weekend pacing the Nittany Lions with 19 singles victories in 2010-11, including a 14-4 dual. The freshman has posted a 7-3 record in his previous 10 singles matches primarily from the fourth position. Bader also boasts a 12-9 doubles record this spring.
Bourchier, Penn State's new career doubles victories record holder, leads the squad with 13 doubles triumphs on the season. Since pairing up with Bader earlier this spring, the tandem has combined for a 9-6 record in first doubles.
Friday, the Nittany Lions will face a tough test in the No. 23 Wolverines. Led by coach Bruce Berque, the young Michigan squad has seen early success in the Big Ten, posting a 3-2 record, including a win over Michigan State. The Wolverines earned impressive non-conference victories as well, topping five top 25 programs. Michigan returns only three seniors this season, including the ITA No. 57 ranked singles player, Jason Jung. The Wolverines also boast the No. 21 singles player in the nation, sophomore Evan King who has posted a 9-4 record against nationally ranked opponents. Led by head coach Gene Orlando, the Spartans enter the 22nd all-time matchup against Penn State trailing the series, 15-6. Michigan State entered Big Ten play with an experienced roster and high expectations but has sputtered to an 0-5 start. Six upperclassmen return to a veteran team, including junior Ronnie Hulewicz and sophomore Dennis Bogatov, who each boast 18 singles victories. Freshman Aaron Pfister adds a 26-3 singles record and a 19-9 doubles record. Penn State will hit the road again next weekend to continue Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions will travel to No. 20 Minnesota Friday, April 15 for a 4 p.m. match. Penn State will continue the weekend series in Madison, Wis. when it takes on the Badgers Sunday, April 17 at 11 a.m