Setting the Scene
Lexington, Ky. – Following a week off, the No. 20 Kentucky men’s tennis team returns to action this weekend looking to improve on its 4-0 Southeastern Conference record. On Friday at 5 p.m. EST, the Cats will host No. 55 Mississippi State at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center. UK will then conclude its six-match homestand on Sunday against No. 13 Ole Miss. The match up against the Rebels is slated to begin at 1 p.m. EST. Live stats will be available this weekend for both matches.
Cats in the Rankings
The Cats (11-3, 4-0 SEC) are currently on a seven-match winning streak and are ranked No. 20 in the nation. The Cats have three ranked singles players entering this weekend?s action. Senior Alex Hume is UK?s highest ranked player at No. 46. The Alexandria, Va., native owns a 13-match unbeaten streak and leads the team with 25 wins this season. Freshman Bruno Agostinelli is ranked No. 54 while senior Nate Emge rounds out the ranked Cats at No. 87.
History
Friday will mark the 21st all-time meeting between the Cats and the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs hold the 13-7 series advantage over UK. Against the Rebels, Kentucky holds a 24-18 advantage in the series history.
Scouting the Opponents
Mississippi State enters Friday?s match with a 4-6 (1-3 SEC) record. In the Bulldogs? last match on Mar. 18, they defeated Oregon 4-1. The Rebels look to be one of Kentucky?s toughest matches to date. Ole Miss is 12-2 (6-1 SEC) on the season. The Rebels are on a four-match winning streak, all against ranked opponents, including a victory over No. 43 Alabama on Mar. 10. The Rebels have three players ranked in the top-90 including No. 16 Erling Tveit who is 24-4 on the season.
Reaching the 20 Win Plateau
Four Wildcats have already reached the 20-win mark this season. Hume leads the team with 25 wins, Agostinelli has notched 23, sophomore Marcus Sundh has captured 22 and senior Carey Rubin has recorded 20. Senior Nate Emge looks to be the next Cat to reach 20 wins. Emge currently has 15 victories on the season.
Next Time Out
The Cats will hit the road next weekend for a pair of matches against highly ranked opposition. On Fri., March 31, UK travels to Athens, Ga., to face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. From there the Cats travel to Knoxville, Tenn., on April 2, to battle the 21st-ranked Volunteers.
