Fresno State Athletics
Dogs Host Cal Poly on Sunday in Season Opener
1/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Jan. 19, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State men's tennis team kicks off the 2008 dual match season against Cal Poly at home in the Wathen Tennis Center on Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. It's the second straight year in which the Bulldogs have hosted the Mustangs in the home opener. The Bulldogs are 13-4 all-time versus the Mustangs. In head coach Jay Udwadia's previous three seasons, the Bulldogs have beat the Mustangs 6-1, 7-0 and 5-2.
Siwy Gets Preseason Ranking
Junior Rudolf Siwy had a solid fall season and earned a No. 92 ranking in the ITA Pre-season rankings released Jan. 8. Siwy, who played primarily at the No. 2 spot in the lineup last season, is one of only two upperclassmen on the team. Siwy went 4-2 during the ITA All-American with wins over two ranked opponents. Siwy also defeated a ranked opponent during the ITA Regional Championships in Malibu, Calif.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
Udwadia has put together another challenging schedule for the Bulldogs this season. Fresno State opens with four of its fi rst fi ve matches on the road. The `Dogs will take on Oklahoma, Arkansas, San Diego and San Diego State after the season opener versus Cal Poly at home. Oklahoma entered the preseason rankings at No. 34 and was a 5-2 winner over Fresno State last year. San Diego State is No. 50 and San Diego is No. 75. The Bulldogs will host No. 22 Boise State at home on Feb. 24 and take on No. 17 Pepperdine on the road on April 6. Fresno State also hosts ranked opponents Nebraska, Santa Clara, TCU and UNLV. In addition, the Bulldogs travel to Montgomery, Ala., March 13-16 for the annual Blue Gray Classic. The tournament will feature many of the top programs from around the country.
Home Slate Packed with Tough Competition
The Bulldogs have 14 home matches scheduled for this season. The `Dogs have traditionally been very strong at home and will look to continue the trend in 2008. In addition to No. 22 Boise State, the Bulldogs will host WAC foes Hawai'i and Nevada in February. In-state opponents include Cal Poly, Santa Clara, Saint Mary's, UC Davis and Pacific. The Bulldogs also host Oregon, Nebraska and UNLV, which fi gure to be exciting matches.
Udwadia Begins Fourth Season at Fresno State
Udwadia begins his fourth campaign as head coach of the Bulldogs. He owns a career record of 60-32 and a 38-28 record at Fresno State. Udwadia has guided Fresno State to the WAC title match in two straight seasons. Udwadia has helped fi ve players earn All-WAC in singles and five doubles tandems have become all-conference honorees under his guidance. Udwadia also vaulted three of his players into the regional top-30 rankings last season. The team has been solid in the classroom as well. In the last three years, the Bulldogs have achieved a team GPA above 3.0 and last year the `Dogs earned ITA all-academic recognition.
Players Mentioned
