April 25, 2013

Horizon League Championship Bracket

CHICAGO - The UIC men's tennis team (6-14, 2-4 HL) prepares for competition at the Horizon League Championship, set to begin Friday and conclude Sunday. After falling just short from contention last season, the Flames earned a No. 5 seed and will take on No. 4 Wright State in the opening round Friday at 9 a.m. (CT) at North Central High School, weather permitting, in Indianapolis, Ind.

"We look forward to good weather and getting outside in the elements this weekend," head coach Hans Neufeld said. "The team has good energy and is ready to compete."

UIC garnered the No. 5 seed after going 2-4 against conference opponents, and clinched its berth into the postseason with a 5-2 win against Valparaiso in its final match of the regular season on April 20. Aside from defeating the Crusaders, the Flames were also able to take down Detroit, 4-3, on April 6.

While competing in singles against Horizon League foes, UIC came away with a 15-21 (.417) record. Rahul Kamath tallied the best record for the Flames, as he went 4-2 while at No. 6. Christopher Cole came in with a 3-3 record at No. 3, while Alexander Raa, Alan Reifer, Isaac Lloveras and Maurizio Feoli went 2-4.

In doubles, UIC went 9-9 (.500) against conference opponents. Kamath was able to combine with Gautham Oroskar to collect a perfect 3-0 record while at No. 3. Kamath additionally took three other doubles wins after pairing with Raa, Cole and Lloveras, as Feoli and Reifer produced a 2-3 record after competing at No. 1 and 2.

Wright State enters into competition with the No. 4 seed after producing a 3-3 record, previously defeating the Flames, 4-3, March 23. The winner of Friday's match will advance to the semifinal round Saturday and face No. 1 Green Bay.

The Horizon League championship match will be streamed live Sunday on the Horizon League Network at 11:30 a.m.