M. tennis primed for Huskies
By Daily Bruin Staff
Feb. 1, 1996 9:00 p.m.
M. tennis primed for Huskies
Bruins look to fifth consecutive win to boost perfect record
By Mark Shapiro
Daily Bruin Contributor
The UCLA men’s tennis team is ranked second in the nation,
boasts a perfect 4-0 record and has dominated its opponents on the
court. In fact, the only obstacle preventing the Bruins from
continuing their rampage seems to be the rain.
Wednesday’s match against No. 9 New Mexico was cancelled due to
rain and is currently being rescheduled. So, barring another black
cloud, the Bruins will get a crack at their fifth consecutive
victory Saturday as they battle the University of Washington at
noon at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
UCLA, which has been chomping at the bit to get back on the
court, is primed and ready for the Huskies, a team they
whitewashed, 7-0, last season. The first three positions will again
be manned by sophomore Justin Gimelstob, senior Srdjan Muskatirovic
– who has fully recovered from an aching shoulder – and senior Eric
Taino, who is looking to continue his torrid run that saw him reach
the quarterfinals of the Palm Springs Invitational last
weekend.
The bottom of the lineup hinges upon team captain Heath
Montgomery’s ankle. If he is unable to play, freshman Brandon
Kramer will step in. Sophomore Matt Breen will hold down the fourth
position and junior Jason Thompson will man the fifth spot.
Poor play in recent matches by the No. 2 doubles team of
Thompson and junior Eric Lin has confused the doubles lineup as
well. After starting out the year with a victory at the Rolex
Invitational, they have slumped of late, losing two straight
matches in dual-match play.
The No. 1 team of Gimelstob and Muskatirovic has been solid all
season and the No. 3 team of Taino and Breen is also
undefeated.
Saturday’s match will be UCLA’s 10th meeting with the Huskies –
the Bruins have not lost in the previous nine.
FRED HE/Daily Bruin
Justin Gimelstob and the No. 2 UCLA men’s tennis team face the
University of Washington Saturday at noon at the LATC.
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