Men's tennis returns after loss in Northwest Shootout

The Wildcats (0-2) host unranked Utah in their first home match at Robson Tennis Center today at 1:30 p.m.

"We're going to work on getting used to that sunshine, blue sky and just mainly hit some balls and get used to playing outdoors again," UA head coach Bill Wright said.

The Utes (3-0) are coming off a shutout victory over Northern Arizona last Saturday.

"I'm sure they're good. A Division I team is going to have a few good players, if not the whole lineup," UA senior Mark Jariabka said. "We're definitely going to have to play well to beat them."

Senior Christian Svennson, the Utes' top-seeded player, improved his singles record to 6-2. Utah's No. 2, junior Paul McPherson moved up to 8-3 with Saturday's victories over the Lumberjacks.

The Wildcats learned how difficult it is to open their spring season, playing indoors in Seattle against the host of the tournament last weekend. Losing both matches of the weekend, 5-2 against Washington on Saturday and 5-2 to Northwestern on Sunday, Arizona finished fourth in the tournament.

Wright was not particularly upset about the losses, however.

"We just played just fine," Wright said. "We lost the two matches, but the mission was accomplished. Everybody got in some excellent tennis and that's what we went up there for. We were not gearing up the season for the Northwest Shootout."

Senior Roland Kupka played in the number three singles spot and was the only Wildcat who returned to Tucson with a 2-0 singles record. Kupka defeated the Huskies' Stefano Rampazzo, 6-4, 6-2 on Saturday and followed with a 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Northwestern's Ry Tarpley.

Arizona, which played in six doubles matches last weekend, recorded just one doubles victory in the Northwest Shootout.

"The important thing is that we come out strong and get the doubles point. Even though it only counts as one point, it's a huge momentum-swinger," Wright said.

In men's tennis, three doubles matches are played for one team points in a best-of-seven format.

Besides hosting Utah today, Oregon and Baylor will be in town this weekend to play Arizona.

Jariabka, who is playing with junior Mike Mackay in the number three doubles spot tomorrow, said the team is eager for their upcoming matches.

"We're just glad we have three matches this week so we can bounce back quickly."