Spartans Ready for Big Ten Indoor Championships
10/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Big Ten Indoor Championships Tournament Central
MINNEAPOLIS - The Michigan State men's tennis team has its sights set on Minneapolis and the Big Ten Indoor Championships this weekend.
"Our guys are looking for opportunities to prove themselves and make a statement," head coach Gene Orlando said. "It's a chance for us to gain momentum and confidence heading into the spring season."
Nine Big Ten schools will be represented, including Iowa, Michigan, MSU, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin and the host school, Minnesota.
The entire men's tennis team, minus Paul Heeder, will be traveling to Minneapolis. Doubles play will begin on Friday, with singles competition starting on Saturday and stretching into Monday.
"Everyone is playing really well," said Orlando. "(John Patrick Mullane) is our top guy right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if any of our guys pulled a big upset or made a deep run in this tournament."
Mullane advanced to the quarterfinals in both singles and doubles play in the ITA Midwest Regional Championships. Mullane was paired with Harry Jadun, and the duo lost to the No. 1 seed of Ralf Steinbach and Kevin Metka from Ohio State.
"The guys have been working extremely hard after Regionals," said Orlando. "Regionals gave us a lot more confidence heading forward."
For complete coverage of the Big Ten Indoor Championships, visit www.gophersports.com.
