The University of Mississippi Athletics

Rebel Netters To Battle No.1 Ohio State

2/10/2009 | Men's Tennis

OXFORD, Miss. The No. 9 nationally ranked Ole Miss men’s tennis team faces its toughest test of the season Wednesday, as the Rebels battle No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.  The two teams will square off at 6 p.m. at the Varsity Indoor Tennis Center.

 

Ole Miss comes into the match at 4-0.  In their last action, the Rebels defeated Mississippi State 4-2 to claim their 10th straight River Hills Mississippi Cup. 

 

Senior Jonas Berg leads the team with a 16-4 overall record, 4-0 at No. 2 singles.  Junior Kalle Norberg is 16-2 overall and 4-0 at No. 3 singles.  Freshman Otto Sauer, who clinched the Kentucky and Mississippi State wins, is 4-0 at No. 6 singles.

 

The Buckeyes (7-0) are led by three of the nation’s top 10 ranked singles players.  Bryan Koniecko is ranked No. 1, teammate Steven Moneke sits at No. 3 and junior Justin Kronauge holds down the No. 6 spot.  They also boast the No. 11 ranked doubles team.

 

The match Wednesday marks only the fourth meeting between Ohio State and Ole Miss. The Rebels hold a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series record.   The Buckeyes earned their first victory in the series last season with a 4-2 victory in Oxford.

 

Ohio State is a tough out at home, as they have won a school-record 77-consecutive home matches dating back to the 2002-03 season.

 

“The competition is certainly about to heat up,” head coach Billy Chadwick said.  “Ohio State is ranked No. 1 for a reason. They have a talented and experienced lineup led by their top three.  They have not lost at home in a long time, so we know it will be a huge challenge.”

 

Following the Ohio State match, the Rebels will head to Chicago, Ill., for the ITA National Team Indoor Finals, which take place Feb. 13-16 at the Midtown Tennis Center.

To follow Wednesday’s top 10 showdown, go to www.OleMissSports.com and click on the live stats link in the calendar box.

Wednesday, October 08
Friday, January 17
Wednesday, October 08
Wednesday, October 08