Feb. 15, 2007
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern is set to open the Big Ten schedule by hosting No. 51 Penn State and No. 22 Michigan at the Combe Tennis Center this weekend. In Wednesday's match against Mississippi, the 38th-ranked 'Cats handed the fourth-ranked Rebels their first doubles losses of the dual season in a losing effort. The pair of Marc Dwyer (Peachtree, Ga./University of Nebraska-Independent Study H.S.) and Alex Sanborn (Houston, Texas) won their fourth-straight doubles match.
Torch's Take
"The start of the Big Ten season is always exciting and we're eager to get after it," head coach Paul Torricelli said. "I am proud of how our players have responded to the non-conference schedule. They have taken on the challenge and really fought hard. We are certainly match-tough at this point, but we can still get better."
"Penn State really took it to us last year and are always very competitive," Torricelli said. "They are especially tough in doubles -- where we haven't been as successful against them in the past. With a new coach in Todd Doebler, they will be very tough."
"Michigan is a legitimate top 25 team and another indication of how much our conference has improved," Torricelli said. "It's a match we always look forward to and both teams will be ready."
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Last Time Out
Northwestern won the doubles point and senior Christian Tempke (Wentorf, Germany/Gymnasium LohbrÜgge) won a thrilling three-setter over 79th-ranked Robbye Poole, but the fourth-ranked Mississippi Rebels took the other five singles matches to top the Wildcats Wednesday night, 5-2.
Tempke played the best singles match of the night, defeating the 79th-ranked Poole at No. 2, 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3). Tempke was down three breaks in the opening set before finally breaking through and getting on the board at 1-5. While he lost the first set, momentum had clearly shifted and Tempke went up an early break in the second.
Poole fought back and forced an entertaining tiebreak that included three forehand winners by Tempke. The Wildcat continued his momentum into the third set, breaking twice early in the set. Poole stormed back and forced a tiebreak, which Tempke won, 7-3. It was the only the second singles loss for Ole Miss in dual play.
Dwyer and Sanborn clinched the doubles point for the 'Cats with a 9-8 win, but Ole Miss took five singles matches to claim the 5-2 victory.
Northwestern Notes
After starting the year at No. 56, the Wildcats sit 38th in the latest ITA national rankings.
Tempke is enjoying three-match winning streak heading into the weekend.