Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Continue Five-Match Homestand This Week
3/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
March 21, 2005
- Weekly Notes (PDF)
Upcoming Matches...
Match 14: Wichita State (5-4) at No. 46 Fresno State (8-5)
Tuesday, March 22 -- 2 p.m. -- Wathen Tennis Center
Match 15: No. 31 Clemson (20-2) at No. 46 Fresno State (8-5)
Wednesday, March 23 -- 2 p.m. -- Wathen Tennis Center
What's Coming Up
Fresno State continues its season-long five-match homestand this week with two contests at the Wathen Tennis Center. The 46th-ranked Bulldogs (8-5) look to snap their three-match losing streak on Tuesday when they take on Wichita State at 2 p.m. Fresno State also hosts 31st-ranked Clemson on Wednesday at 2 p.m. After entering its match Feb. 27 against Rice with a 20-match home court winning streak, Fresno State has now dropped two in a row at the Wathen Center.
What Just Happened
Fresno State lost its only match of last week, a 5-1 setback to 23rd-ranked Texas Tech. After claiming the doubles point, the Bulldogs were beaten soundly in singles, losing five matches in straight sets. It was the first meeting between the two schools since 1990.
Irie on a Roll
After a freshman campaign that saw him post 11 dual match wins, the second-best number on the team, Charles Irie has been even more impressive this year. The native of the Ivory Coast has won five consecutive matches and owns a 9-2 mark this spring, including an 8-1 record at his customary No. 3 singles slot. And his strong play hasn't been limited just to singles. Irie has done a solid job at No. 2 doubles with Nicolas Mascheroni, winning four of seven matches.
One Guy Who is Familiar With Wichita State
Fresno State may not have played Wichita State since 1987, but that doesn't mean the Bulldogs are unfamiliar with the Shockers. First-year head coach Jay Udwadia came to Fresno State from Drake, which along with Wichita State is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Under Udwadia, Drake went 1-1 against WSU last year and claimed a league title for the first time in 11 years.
Home Slate Winding Down
Fresno State's current homestand essentially winds down the 2005 home schedule. The Bulldogs have four matches remaining at the Wathen Tennis Center on this stretch, but after that play three of their last four on the road. Fresno State's only contest at the Wathen Center after its current homestand comes April 10 against UC Santa Barbara.
