After a lengthy trip away from home, the 63rd-ranked UNM men's tennis team returns to the Lobo Tennis Club this weekend to face 58th-ranked Texas Tech University and Illinois State University.
The last time the Lobos were home, they were undefeated on the season while mercilessly pounding the University of Northern Arizona and San Francisco University, posting a perfect 2-0 record.
After a couple of tough road trips, UNM will try and return to top form.
The Lobos managed to win one out of two matches on both trips. That leaves UNM with an overall record of 4-2 on the season.
While away, the Lobos beat the University of Oregon and Oklahoma University, while losing to 51st-ranked University of Tulsa and 20th-ranked University of Washington.
"We had two road trips and they were tough," head coach Alan Dils said. "We won one of the matches both times. Overall, we should come out of those trips with some confidence."
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UNM is led by hard-hitting senior Bart Scott and smart-playing junior Divan Coetzee. The combo had been nationally ranked all season while providing team leadership and consistency at the top.
"Bart Scott and Divan are both nationally ranked, we look for them to step up and play well," Dils said. "They're the leaders of the team."
Other players have stepped up for the Lobos as well, particularly junior Jasmin Hodzic who has posted an impressive 5-1 record in the spring. His strong play has solidified the team while adding needed depth to the bottom of the lineup.
"I've seen a new focus and intensity level from him," Dils said. "He's practiced hard and played every point hard. He played a lot more this summer and he has a purpose out there now."
Strategically, Dils said that getting the doubles point to start is always a good thing, but does not guarantee success.
Dils will also have to do some tinkering with the lineup this weekend. Scott and Coetzee will be No. 1 and 2, after that, it's unsure since sophomore Ryan Stotland is benched with a stress fracture in his back. Sophomore David Kowalski, senior Brent Salazar and Hodzic will probably move up a spot, but that still leaves one opening in singles. That void could be filled by either freshman Nick Ames or Henry Gers. One of those two will likely play doubles.
The Lobos welcome Illinois State tonight, at 6 p.m. Though they are not nationally ranked, Dils is quick to point out that nobody can be overlooked.
"They are solid and have added a few guys," Dils said.
On Sunday, UNM takes on Texas Tech in what should be a close match. The Lobos beat the Red Raiders in Lubbock last year but TTU will no doubt be looking for redemption. On the other hand a win against a higher ranked opponent would benefit UNM.
"We beat Texas Tech at their place last year, but they're ranked ahead of us,"Dils said. "It is good a opportunity for us."
