URBANA, Ill. — The 17th-ranked LSU men’s tennis team will have its first road match of the season on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT when it travels to face 12th-ranked Illinois at the Atkins Tennis Center.
The Tigers (1-0) are coming off a 7-0 victory over the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Wednesday at the W.T. “Dub” Robinson Tennis Stadium. The Tigers swept all three doubles matches and won all the singles matches in straight sets against the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Illinois (2-2) last competed against Tennessee on Sunday where the Volunteers won by a 4-3 decision.
LSU and Illinois squared off last season with the Tigers winning in thrilling fashion, 4-3. The Tigers hold a 5-3 edge in the series against the Illini.
“Over the last six or seven years Illinois has been one of the top programs going back to their national championship in 03′ and championship match appearance last season,” LSU head coach Jeff Brown said. “This is an exciting match especially for this early in the season. This can be used as a barometer to tell where we are at this point. It is a great opportunity to play such a quality out-of-conference opponent. Playing in an intense environment on the road before the SEC begins will be a good experience for us to test our will.”
The Illini feature two singles players and two doubles teams in ITA national rankings. Ryan Rowe is listed at No. 15 and Billy Heiser appears at No. 70
Rowe is part of two ranked doubles teams. Rowe and Brandon Davis are ranked at No. 9 and Rowe and partner Heiser are listed at No. 35.