Feb. 29, 2012
RENO, Nev. - The University of Nevada men's tennis team will begin its home schedule with two matches at Lakeridge Tennis Club this weekend, meeting Sacramento State on Friday at 5 p.m. and Pacific on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The matches were originally scheduled to be played on the outdoor courts at Lakeridge earlier in the day, but have been moved inside to avoid any weather delays or cancellations.
"We will look to defend home court this weekend and make strides as we get into the heart of our schedule," head coach Erik Burton said.
Admission will be free beginning at 4 p.m. each day, when the teams will take the court for warm ups.
Nevada comes into its first home event at 4-4 (0-1 WAC). Sacramento State is 2-4 (1-0 Big Sky), while Pacific is 3-5 (1-0 Big West).
The Wolf Pack has seen strong singles play at the forefront of each of its victories this season.
Senior captain Wessim Derbel has led the way with a 16-4 overall singles record (6-2 in dual play). He has played out of the No. 1 singles position in each of Nevada's matches. Three other players, including one newcomer, have won on four occasions in dual-match play. Moez Echargui is 4-4, playing as high as the No. 2 spot and as low as No. 4. Returners Victor Ouvrard and Jordan Rozenfeld hold singles records of 4-4 and 4-3 respectively in dual play.
The doubles teams of Echargui and Ouvrard and Derbel and Fernando Sunago have been paired together on the most consistent basis so far this year. Echargui and Ouvrard have nine total wins, two in dual play. Derbel and Sunago have won eight times, five in dual play.
Last time out, the Wolf Pack defeated Idaho State 4-1 in Pocatello. Rozenfeld clinched the match with a win at No. 4 singles, defeating Dan Buckingham 6-4, 6-4.
Sacramento State defeated UC Davis 6-1 in its last contest. Pacific has dropped each of its last two matches by a score of 7-0. The Tigers lost to Arkansas on February 25 and Santa Clara on February 26.
