March 13, 2013
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NEXT WEEK
The University of Iowa men’s tennis team (6-5, 0-2) heads west to California to compete in three dual-matches. The Hawkeyes will take on San Francisco on March 17 at 3 p.m., Pacific on March 20 at 4 p.m., and Fresno State on March 22 at 1 p.m.
DIERCKX OFF TO STRONG SINGLES START
Junior Jonas Dierckx is off to his best start in three years with the Hawkeyes in singles play. Dierckx is 7-3 in his last 10 matches and his 7-4 singles record overall leads the team. Dierckx’s holds a .636 winning percentage, up from .392 his sophomore campaign. Even more impressive, Dierckx has played all of his matches in either the No. 1 or No. 2 singles slot.
DIERCKX AND HAGAN LEAD THE WAY IN DOUBLES
Junior Jonas Dierckx and sophomore Matt Hagan are making a name for themselves in doubles competition. The duo holds an 8-2 record in doubles competition, the best record on the team. Currently Dierckx and Hagan are on a two-match winning streak after picking up the lone doubles victory against Big Ten foe Northwestern. The duo took down Mihir Kumar and Alex Pasareanu of Northwestern in a hard-fought battle, 9-8.
HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
Steve Houghton, the dean of Big Ten tennis coaches, is in his 32nd year as head coach of the Hawkeyes. He has compiled a career record of 338-368 (.478), recording the most wins of any coach in Iowa men’s tennis history.
QUOTING HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
“We play three strong teams over spring break in California. One of our big challenges will be getting used to playing outdoors again and all that entails. We want to win every match along with being very well-prepared for the resumption of our Big Ten season. We opened the Big Ten season with two top national teams, and I’m confident that things will get better soon.”