March 22, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- NU heads to the sunny state of Arizona for two duals against Northern Arizona and Arizona Monday and Wednesday, respectively. After a two-week break for finals, the 'Cats (11-4, 0-2) look to continue their strong non-conference play.
For the first time this season, Northwestern has two singles players ranked nationally in Marc Dwyer (Peachtree City, Ga./University of Nebraska - Independent Study H.S.) and Tobias Reitz (Reinbeck, Germany/Sachsenwaldschule Reinbeck).
SCOUTING NORTHERN ARIZONA
The Wildcats have never faced off against the Lumberjacks, who currently own a 4-14 record. Northern Arizona faces off against Idaho State Sunday before hosting Northwestern Monday morning in Phoenix.
SCOUTING ARIZONA
Arizona hosts NU at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center Wednesday morning, in what should prove to be a tough battle between the two Wildcat teams. No. 20 Arizona (14-1) holds a 12-match win streak and is undefeated at home this season.
Arizona is led by 64th-ranked sophomore Jay Goldman, reigning Pac-10 Player of the Week, as well as the No. 53 doubles tandem of Francois VanderMerwe and Pat Metham.
LAST TIME OUT
The 'Cats have not seen action since the weekend of March 6-7, when they travelled to face conference rivals Illinois and Indiana on consecutive days.
Playing its highest ranked opponent of the year, NU dropped a 4-3 decision at No. 7 Illinois, but still showed the difference a year makes after having been swept by the Illini last season. Freshman Tobias Reitz produced a punishing 6-3, 7-5 upset over No. 29 Roy Kalmanovich at No. 2 singles.
After the near upset of No. 7, NU lost a 4-3 dual to Indiana March 7. The two teams split singles, but doubles proved to be the difference at IU Varsity Tennis Center as Indiana pulled out two of three doubles matches.
LOOKING AHEAD
Northwestern heads home to Combe Tennis Center this weekend to host two Big Ten rivals in Michigan State and Michigan Saturday and Sunday, respectively.