Feb. 13, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
This weekend the University of Maryland men's and women's tennis teams will each host two matches at their home terf, the Tennis Center at College Park.
The women will play their first home match of the season on Saturday, after traveling the past two weekends.
The Terp men started off their spring season at home last weekend and will continue with their three match home stand, Friday, Feb. 13.
With top ranked opponents, along with ACC conference play, Maryland tennis holds an exciting weekend for every tennis fan.
A Look At The Women
In his third year as head coach of the women's tennis program, Martin Novak is placing his team into a line of fire this season. "By playing the best teams is how we will get better as unit," says Novak.That is exactly what the No. 75- ranked Terps (0-4) have done. Maryland's first four match-ups have been against teams in the top 50, and their schedule includes a total of 14 nationally-ranked opponents.
The Terrapins have crossed paths with the No. 15-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, No. 15-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, No.34-ranked Michigan Wolverines, and No. 47-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks thus far this season.
This weekend, the Terrapins welcome No. 72-ranked Old Dominion Monarchs to the Tennis Center. It should be a heated battle between the two teams.
Last time against the Monarchs, the Terps took the match, 5-2, on Feb. 8, 2002.
Standing out for the Terps in doubles was freshman Marianne Baker and senior Emily Marker. Through out the challenging schedule, they were able to go 3-1 in the Terps first four matches. The pair also managed to knock off the Aggies No. 22-ranked doubles team of Jessica Roland and Helga Vieira.
Highlighting the singles side was sophomore Jennifer Dent. She has played a versatile role for Maryland this season, playing in three different singles spots as well as with two different doubles partners. Dent came out of the four matches with a 3-1 singles record, streaking to win her last two against the Wolverines and the Gamecocks respectively.
Marker will meet a familiar foe this weekend. Monarch Nataly Chana faced off against Marker in the ITA East Regional title match in the fall. Both of the women, with their appearance in the ITA final, earned spots in the prestigious National Indoor Championships.
What's Up With The Men
Maryland men's tennis team returns to their home court, the Tennis Center at College Park, for a weekend of competitive play. The Terps open their ACC season early, as NC State comes to town.
Friday's match against the Wolfpack is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, the Terps will hit the courts again as they host Villanova. The match against Villanova has been moved to 2:30 p.m.
Last time the Pack was in College Park, the Terps captured their first ACC victory in 10 years, with their 4-3 win over the Wolfpack. The Terps, who are still with out the aid of full scholarships, look for a repeat of their 2002 performance.
On Mar. 15, 2003, Maryland defeated Villanova, 6-1, at the Tennis Center at College Park. Coach Laitta and his Terps look for another impressive outing against the Wildcats this weekend.
Last time out, Maryland stunned Georgetown, 7-0, as they swung into the spring season. The Terrapins (1-0, 0-0 ACC) did not loose a single match on the day, surrendering only one set to the visiting Hoyas. The Terps collected their third straight win against Georgetown, with their last loss coming on Feb. 18, 2001.
