Miami Looks to Upend No. 1 Illinois

March 25, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami men’s tennis team will try to top No. 1 Illinois Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

The 37th-ranked Hurricanes are 11-3 on the year, downing Georgia Southern, 7-0 in their last outing this past Sunday in Coral Gables – improving to 9-1 at home in 2004.

Sophomore Eric Hechtman (Miami, Fla.), who is ranked 93rd in the nation in singles play, paces the UM squad in with an overall record of 17-7 on the year – 12-2 in dual play.

The defending National Champion Fighting Illini are undefeated this season at 16-0 and boast a 48-match win streak dating back to last season.

Illinois brings three of the nation’s top 50 singles players to Coral Gables in No. 3 Brian Wilson, No. 29 Phil Stolt and No. 48 Chris Martin. Stolt and Wilson also hold the nation’s No. 2 doubles ranking and Martin and teammate Michael Calkins are ranked 15th in the nation in doubles.

Miami and Illinois have split the only two previous meeting at one match apiece, with the Illini downing UM, 7-0 in the last meeting in 2003.

Admission is free and fans are invited out to enjoy free food on behalf of Miami tennis.