MTN: Lions Close Out Home Slate This WeekendMTN: Lions Close Out Home Slate This Weekend

MTN: Lions Close Out Home Slate This Weekend

April 12, 2018

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 46 Penn State men's tennis team will host their final two matches of the season this coming weekend. The Lions take on Northwestern Friday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m. and No. 6 Illinois Sunday, April15 at 12:00 p.m.

The matches are scheduled to be held at the Sarni Tennis Center, weather permitting.

The No. 46 Nittany Lions (13-9, 3-4 B1G) are coming off two big wins against Nebraska and Iowa. The team remains perfect at home after securing nine wins so far this season. Penn State will look to wrap up their home slate 11-0.

Northwestern (9-12, 4-3 B1G) is coming off a tough match against No. 11 Michigan. Last time the teams met, the Lions were knocked off by then No. 21 Northwestern.

No. 6 Illinois (16-5, 7-0 B1G) will take on No. 3 Ohio State Saturday, April 14 before facing the Lions April 15. The Fighting Illini have two ranked singles players, No. 15 Aleks Vukic and No. 66 Alex Brown. The Illinois doubles pair of Aleks Vukic and Aron Hiltzik is currently ranked No. 85. Last year, then No. 25 Illinois defeated Penn State.

"Right now we are focusing on what we need to work on rather than rankings or even our opponents," said associate head coach Paul Tobin. "We're spending more time watching our matches and focusing on things we can control. The guys are becoming better students of the game. I'm happy that at this stage in the season we are within NCAA tournament territory, but with four matches still remaining that can change that quickly."

On Friday afternoon, the team will be hosting the Dog Days of Spring. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the match to watch the Lions take on Northwestern while enjoying the spring weather. There will also be free Penn State Creamery ice cream for fans to enjoy.

Link to live stats will be posted on both Twitter and Facebook prior to both the Northwestern and Illinois matches.

Next time out, the Nittany Lions will hit the road for their final two matches of the regular season. The Lions face Purdue Friday, April 20 at 4:00 p.m. in West Lafayette, Ind. and Indiana Sunday, April 22 at 12:00 p.m. in Bloomington, Ind.

Follow GoPSUsports and our social media pages Friday and Sunday for updates throughout the matches!

Keep up with the Penn State men's tennis team at GoPSUsports.com. For continued updates throughout the year, make sure to `like' our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennstatemten and follow our twitter @pennstateMTEN!