M. tennis

M. tennis

looks to

stretch

Trojans

By Sarah Harrison

The UCLA men’s tennis team will travel across town to meet its
rival, USC, at 1:30 p.m. today, to play the tie-breaking match in
the all-time series, which stands at 73-73. The No. 9 Trojans will
attempt to use their home court advantage to help them avenge a
March 16 loss at the hands of the Bruins.

"Over my 17 years here, we have done well at home," USC head
coach Richard Leach said. "Hopefully, it will help the guys out a
little to be in a familiar environment."

Earlier in the season, the Bruins pulled off a 4-3 victory in
front of one of the largest crowds this year at the Los Angeles
Tennis Center. While the Bruins will not be at home, they are
confident that they will be able to come out and play well.

"As long as we stay tough mentally, we shouldn’t let their home
court advantage affect us," UCLA’s freshman Justin Gimelstob said.
"They may have a little bit of an advantage, but we’re a better
team; they need all the advantages that they can get."

It is evident that the crosstown rivalry sparks pride and
competitiveness. Tennis matches between these two foes always
contain an added intensity element that make them close and
exciting, regardless of season records or rankings.

"The crowd is always a little hostile," UCLA head coach Billy
Martin said. "Richard Leach and I have tried to make sure that it
is not too derogatory. We want to encourage positive cheering."

UCLA has quite a bit to cheer about as they come into the game
with a 16-3 overall and a 6-1 Pac-10 record. USC has been having a
little more trouble, as evidenced by its 12-5, 4-3 record.

"We are looking forward to the match," Leach said. "We haven’t
beat a very top team this season, and UCLA is definitely one of the
best. We are looking forward to having a crack at one more good
team."

USC is lead by fourth-ranked Brett Hansen, who will play in the
No. 1 spot against UCLA’s Robert Janecek. No. 16 Janecek lost to
Hansen in three sets when they met earlier in the season. After
winning the first set 7-5, Janecek was unable to hold onto his
winning advantage, as Hansen won the next two sets 7-6 and 6-4 to
take the match.

Adam Peterson will be in the No. 2 spot playing against either
Eric Taino or Gimelstob. In the earlier match against USC,
Gimelstob played against Peterson. After hurling himself around the
court, he not only lost the match but also suffered a sprained
wrist, which forced him to wear a cast for 10 days.

The close 4-3 score in that match is not really indicative of
the competitiveness, however, as the Bruins won their 4 points
early to seal the win against the Trojans.

"We want to win the doubles points and get some good output from
our lower players, but that is a tough assignment," Leach said.

"I’m sure they will be eager to get a little payback," Martin
said.