April 4, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Top-ranked Northwestern (17-1, 5-0) returns to action this weekend when it hosts a pair of highly touted Big Ten opponents. The Wildcats welcome No. 29 Ohio State at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, before their meeting with No. 28 Indiana at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 6.
Due to the upcoming weather forecast, the 'Cats plan to make their dual season debut outdoors at the Vandy Christie Tennis Center, but will move back indoors to the Combe Tennis Center in the event of inclement weather or cold temperatures.
Northwestern put on impressive performances in its last action, taking 7-0 victories over both Illinois and Purdue last weekend. The Wildcats have won 55-consecutive Big Ten matches, with their last loss coming exactly four years ago on April 4, 2004, at Illinois.
The 'Cats sit atop the Big Ten standings at 5-0 and have dominated in conference play. As a team, Northwestern boasts a 28-2 singles and 16-1 doubles record against its Big Ten foes.
Ohio State (16-3, 3-1) won its last match, 6-1, against Michigan State. The Buckeyes enter Evanston this weekend with a six-match winning streak, while also winning 11 of their last 12. This will mark Ohio State's first dual match away from Columbus since Feb. 14. Northwestern holds the advantage in the all-time series, 27-6.
Indiana (15-4, 4-0) lost in its last dual match, 6-1, at No. 20 Notre Dame. The Hoosiers have won eight of their last nine outings, and come to Evanston ranked second in the Big Ten. Indiana holds a slight edge over Northwestern in the all-time series record, 25-20. In a match that was scheduled to be featured on the Big Ten Network, the television broadcast has unfortunately been canceled.
After this weekend, the Wildcats travel to 20th-ranked Notre Dame at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. The Fighting Irish have become one of Northwestern's top rivals in the recent past and a thorough battle is expected. The Wildcats hold the all-time series advantage over Notre Dame, 21-10.