The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Netters Up To No. 2 In National Rankings
2/24/2004 | Men's Tennis
Feb. 24, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss men's tennis team is up to No. 2 in the latest edition of the ITA National Rankings released Tuesday, as they get set to host in-state rival Southern Mississippi Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Palmer/Salloum Tennis Center.
Despite not playing since reaching the semifinals of the the USTA/ITA National Team Indoor two weeks ago, several upsets around the country allowed the Rebels to move up in the rankings. They are right behind defending NCAA Champion, Illinois. The rest of the top 10 includes Baylor, who the Rebels beat in the quarterfinals at the National Team Indoor, Florida, VCU, Stanford, TCU, Rice, UCLA and LSU.
"At this point in time, we aren't looking at the rankings," head coach Billy Chadwick said. "There are 10 very good teams in the country. The team that works the hardest, comes together as a team and gets the breaks, will be the national champion. We will be working toward that goal."
In the latest individual rankings, which were administered by the ITA's points-per-match computer formula, junior Catalin Gard is ranked No. 15 in the nation. Gard owns a 4-2 record at No. 1 singles and has two wins over top 10 opponents. Both of his losses are against the No. 1 and 4 ranked players.
Senior Claes Lindholm, who is off to a 6-0 start at No. 3 singles, is ranked No. 30. He has won six in a row and 11 of his last 12.
Fellow senior Paul Ciorascu comes in at No. 85 with a 4-2 record at No. 2 singles. He has a win this spring over the nation's No. 8 player.
In doubles, Gard and Ciorascu are ranked No. 14. The pair register a 7-2 overall record, 4-1 at No. 1 doubles.
Wednesday's match begins a five-match homestand for the Rebels, who will begin defense of their SEC Western Division title next weekend against Alabama and Auburn.
