The University of Kentucky men’s tennis team will get its first big test of the dual match season when it travels toChampaign, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 9, to take on the eighth-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini.

The Cats (4-0, 0-0 Southeastern Conference) are coming off a successful weekend at the Indiana Invitational,where they grabbed two wins on Saturday, topping DePaul 4-3 and knocking out Western Michigan 4-0. Leadingthis year’s young squad is Edo Bawono, the team’s lone senior, who has played all four matches at the No. 1position and complied a 16-4 record so far this year.

The Illini also had their last dual match outing against DePaul and Western Michigan on Jan. 26, shutting outboth teams to take the two victories and move them to 3-0 on the season. They are led by senior Graydon Oliver,who plays at the No. 1 position in both singles and doubles.

“This will be a huge test of our athletic prowess so soon in the season,” Coach Dennis Emery said. “We have tocome into this match prepared and with the mindset that we can perform under the intense pressure that Illinoisbrings to the table.”

Match play gets underway at 5:30 p.m. CST at the Atkins Tennis Center on the campus of UI.