Hawkeyes Host Pair of Big Ten Foes

March 27, 2013

Weekly Release

THIS WEEK
The University of Iowa men’s tennis team (7-7, 0-2) continues its spring season Friday, hosting Penn State (6-10, 0-3) at 2 p.m. The Hawkeyes will then host No. 7 Ohio State (18-2, 3-0) on Sunday at 11 a.m. Both matches will be played at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex.

DIERCKX OFF TO STRONG DOUBLES START
Junior Jonas Dierckx has been lights out so far in doubles action this spring. Dierckx holds a 10-3 record in doubles, having played in both the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles slot. Dierckx went 2-1 over spring break during the Hawkeyes trip to California. Dierckx first took down Knowlman and Bucalem of San Francisco, 9-8. Dierkcx fell in his next doubles match against the University of Pacific in the No. 2 doubles slot, but rebounded in a big way against Fresno State, defeating DeLaubenfels and MacNeil in the No. 1 doubles slot, 8-5. Dierckx looks to continue his strong start in doubles this weekend against Big Ten foes Penn State and Ohio State.

HAWKEYES END SPRING TRIP ON HIGH NOTE
After falling in their first two matches over spring break, Iowa took down Fresno State, 5-2, in Fresno, Calif. The Hawkeyes started off strong winning two-of-three doubles matches to gain the doubles point. Singles action was highlighted by Dierckx first career win in the No. 1 singles slot. Dierckx took down Reid DeLaubenfels of Fresno State, 7-5, 7-5.

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 339-370 (.478), recording the most wins of any coach in Iowa men’s tennis history.

QUOTING HEAD COACH Steve Houghton
“We finished off our spring trip to California on a very high note. We’ll need to carry that confidence into both matches against Penn State and Ohio State. They will be two very tough opponents.”