University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
UL Tennis Hosts Cleveland State Monday
3/13/2011 7:28:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns men's and women's tennis teams return to Lafayette to host Cleveland State in a doubleheader on Monday afternoon. First serve for the women's match is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the men's contest following at 3:30 p.m. at the Cajun Courts.
The Ragin' Cajuns men (1-8) return to UL after a three match road swing that included a stop in San Francisco. The Louisiana women (7-4, 4-1 Sun Belt) return home, winning their last three contests in a five-match road trip.
Coach Mark Jeffrey's men's program has faced some stiff competition in the last two matches, narrowly losing to No. 65 San Francisco, 4-3, before falling to No. 74 St. Mary's, 7-0 last week.
Number one singles player Yanick Mandl leads the Cajuns with a 4-5 record. In doubles competition, the tandem of Mandl and Brandon Farine lead UL with a 5-4 mark this season.
"Our men have played a very difficult schedule in the first nine matches, playing seven nationally ranked teams," noted Jeffrey. "The great thing is our guys are getting better each week they play, which is preparing us for the Sun Belt Conference tournament."
Louisiana opens a three-match homestand with a 6-5 Cleveland State program. The Vikings have dropped three out of the last five contests, but picked up a 7-0 shutout of Youngstown State on Saturday, March 5.
"I like where we are and we are looking forward to the upcoming three week home stand," said Jeffrey. "Cleveland State won their respective conference last year and went to the NCAA tournament. They will give us a tough challenge."
The Ragin' Cajuns women have won their last three matches, which includes a 7-0 shutout of Southern Miss last week. Monday's contest with the Vikings is the first of four consecutive at Cajun Courts.
Julie Mazinova leads the way for Louisiana having won six singles contests in a row. The senior has a team-best 9-2 record this season. Milou Israel and Briggitt Marcovich lead the Cajuns with a 5-3 record in doubles action.
The Vikings women (4-8) snapped a five match losing skid, defeating Oakland 6-1 on March 6.
"We look forward to some competitive play from Cleveland State and see this match as an opportunity to continue getting stronger for the conference championships," said first year head coach Greg Harkins. "It's comforting to be back at the Cajun Courts with the support of the student-body and the local community."
Results from Monday's match will be available online at RaginCajuns.com.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
