Miami Men's Tennis Hosts Kentucky Wednesday
March 17, 2009
CORAL GABLES, FLA… – Head coach Mario Rincon will face his collegiate coach and alma mater on Wed., March 18, as the No. 45 University of Miami men’s tennis team closes its non-conference slate versus No. 13 Kentucky at home at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The men’s match will begin following the conclusion of the match between the eighth-ranked Miami women and No. 21 Arkansas which is set to start at noon.
The Hurricanes (6-5) – who lead the all-time series between the two programs, 7-1 – have won two of their last three matches and own a 5-2 record at home heading into Wednesday’s contest. The Wildcats (11-4) ride a three-match win streak into Coral Gables, with home wins over No. 44 Arkansas, No. 35 LSU and Eastern Kentucky.
“We are looking forward to playing Kentucky – one of the most successful programs in collegiate tennis in the last 25 years,” said Rincon. “Coach [Dennis] Emery, my former coach, is enjoying a great season so far and it will be nice a challenge for us.”
Both David Simon and All-American Carl Sundberg have put together strong spring campaigns for the Hurricanes. Sundberg – ranked 90th in the nation this week – has won nine of 10 spring singles matches, while Simon has won three straight and seven of his last eight singles matches.
Four-time All-American Daniel Vallverdu – ranked No. 29 in the nation this week – rides a two-match win streak heading into Wednesday’s match. He has gone 2-1 this spring since returning from an injury sustained during the fall.
The Wildcats are led by No. 5 Bruno Agostinelli, who has four wins over top-30 opponents this season. In doubles play, Agostinelli and Brad Cox have gone 13-8 and are ranked 22nd in the nation.
Following Wednesday’s match versus Kentucky, the Hurricanes return to the road for a pair of ACC matches. Miami takes on No. 34 North Carolina in Chapel Hill on Fri., March 20, at 3 p.m. and then heads to Durham to face No. 28 Duke on Sun., March 22, at 1 p.m.
