March 6, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - The Penn State men's tennis team (8-2, 0-0) is slated to play two important matches during a spring break southern swing. The Nittany Lions travel to Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, March 7 for a bout against Central Florida (4-7). They then move on to Tampa Bay, Fla., for a match against the South Florida Bulls (1-7) Friday, March 9.
Last time out, the Nittany Lions dominated the Army Black Knights (6-6, 2-0), 6-1, to close out a nine-match homestand. Senior Jason Lee (Sydney, Australia) and sophomore Russell Bader (Austin, Texas) started off the day on the right foot, earning an 8-5 victory of Asika Isoh and Henry Jang-Milsten. Bader then took his second singles match (6-3, 6-2) against Alex Holland and freshman Tomas Hanzlik (ITA-No. 121) overpowered Alex Van Velzer (6-2, 6-1) in third singles. Senior Taylor Cohen (Philadelphia, Pa.) then sealed the match with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Jang-Milsten.
Following his doubles victory against Army, Lee moved into eighth place on the Nittany Lion career doubles victories list with 62 triumphs. With one victory this week, he will tie Colin Smeeton (1994-98) for seventh all-time. If the senior can earn two victories on this road trip, Lee will tie Greg Gaunt (1990-94) for sixth in career doubles victories with 64 wins.
The UCF Knights are led by head coach Bobby Cashman. Junior Jorge Blasco owns the first singles slot for the Knights. He has amassed a 5-5 record this season. Sophomore Paul Brunskog also owns a 4-6 record in second singles.
Don Barr, South Florida's longest-tenured coach, owns a 639-396 career record. The program has enjoyed six conference championships and nine NCAA Tournament appearances under Barr's tutelage. Wael Kilani and Yannick Yoshizawa have split time in the No. 1 singles slot. Combined, the duo has posted a 1-7 record against tough competition this season.
The Nittany Lions will open Big Ten competition Sunday, March 11 when they travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeye at noon.