March 30, 2011

CHICAGO- The UIC men's tennis team will welcome No. 64 Southern Methodist University on Thursday, March 31 at the Hinsdale Racquet Club in Hinsdale, Ill., beginning at 7 p.m.

UIC (3-9, 1-1 Horizon League) are coming into this match fresh off their first Horizon League win over Detroit, 5-2. The victory snapped a three game losing streak, and secured the Flames second win of the season at home.

The Flames swept all three doubles position and took the early lead in the match versus Detroit. In singles play, the Flames won four of the six singles position at the No. 1, 2, 3, and 6 slots. Sophomore Gautham Oroskar notched his first win of the season.

"I have been competing against SMU's coach my whole life (brother)," said head coach Hans Neufeld. "I look forward to doing it again on Thursday night on my own turf again."

The SMU Mustangs (13-5, 3-1 Conference USA) come into this match ranked No. 64 nationally as a team and on a 10 match unbeaten streak, dating back to March 5th. The Mustangs won their second match on the road this season versus Oklahoma State, 6-1, on March 22nd.

The Mustangs have a player that is ranked nationally in singles play, No. 39 Artem Baradach. In doubles play, Baradach is paired up with Gaston Cuadrant and they come in nationally ranked at No. 68.

The Flames took on SMU last year in Madison, Wis. as part of a doubleheader, but fell to the Mustangs, 6-1.