Things are starting to look good for the Oregon men’s tennis team. After winning five of their last six matches, the Ducks return home to sunny Oregon for their second outdoor match of the season.
No. 67 Oregon takes on Montana today at 1:30 p.m. at the 15th avenue courts across from the Esslinger Recreation Center. Originally the match was scheduled to be played at the Eugene Swim and Tennis center, but was moved outside due to favorable weather.
The Montana contest will be a warm-up for Pacific-10 Conference foe Washington, whom the Ducks play Sunday in Seattle.
The Grizzlies are 4-8 on the season and are unranked. Montana will be the Oregon’s last non-conference opponent of the season. The Grizzlies are led by senior Jay Froschauer, who is a two-time all-Big Sky selection.
Starting Sunday, the Ducks will face five more Pac-10 foes, all of whom are ranked nationally. Oregon needs at least two Pac-10 wins two qualify for the NCAA tournament in May.
The Huskies (11-5, 1-1 Pac-10) are ranked 22nd in the nation. Washington is on a recent tear, knocking off two ranked opponents in their last three matches. On the season, Washington has toppled four teams in the top-40: Indiana State, Notre Dame, Clemson and Pac-10 foe California.
Leading the Husky attack are two freshmen phenoms, both nationally ranked. Matt Hanlin, a top British player, is ranked 93rd. Ali Strasberg is tied for the No. 86 spot.
Hanlin and Strasberg will provide good competition for Oregon’s ranked tandem of senior Guillermo Carter (No. 51) and Thomas Schneiter (No. 78).
Carter, a winner in five of his last six matches, has the best record on the team at 12-4. Freshman Oded Teig has the honor of most wins at 18. Another freshman, Leslie Eisinga, is also making a statement in his first year. Eisinga and Carter are ranked No. 26 in doubles competition.
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association polls have been inconsistent in their ranking of Oregon players. After being snubbed by the polls for weeks, Carter, Schneiter and Eisinga suddenly found themselves near the top of the polls. Then, despite winning several matches to support their poll spots, all three moved down in the polls. The next polls come out April 5.
Ducks take to the outdoors, thanks to sunny skies
Daily Emerald
March 30, 2000
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