Sooners Battle Owls, Huskers

April 2, 2009

Oklahoma Men's Tennis (9-7 Overall, 0-3 Big 12)
Friday's Match	vs. No. 35 Rice (13-7 Overall, 1-0 C-USA), April 3 at 2 p.m.
Sunday's Match	vs. No. 49 Nebraska (16-3 Overall, 0-0 Big 12), April 5 at 11 a.m.
Location	Headington Family Tennis Center \| Gregg Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion

NORMAN, Okla. -- The 41st-ranked University of Oklahoma men's tennis team (9-7, 0-3 Big 12) hosts No. 35 Rice, Friday, April 3, before heading to Lincoln, Neb., to take on Big 12 Foe and 49th-ranked Nebraska on Sunday, April 5.

“These are two big matches for our team this weekend,” OU head coach Paul Lockwood said. “We start off with a home match against top-35 Rice, who has always been a tough national opponent. They have some outstanding wins and are anchored by two of the nation's finest players.”

The Sooners look to extend their out of conference winning streak to three games with a win over Rice. OU's last two wins came over 60th-ranked Mississippi State and No. 63 Hawaii.

The Owls boast two players ranked in the ITA top-50 in Bruno Rosa, No. 46, and Christoph Muller, No. 48. Rice also has the 52nd-ranked doubles team in the nation.

OU combats the Owls lineup with junior Andrei Daescu, ranked No. 65 nationally. The Sooners also claim the nation's 45th-ranked doubles team, comprised of Daescu and sophomore David Pultr. The duo is 3-0 in Big 12 action with an overall record of 9-1.

Following action against the Owls, the Sooners head to Lincoln to hook up with the Huskers. OU is searching for its first Big 12 victory after losing to 7th-ranked Baylor, No. 11 Texas and 14th-ranked Texas A&M.

“We always have close matches with Nebraska, particularly in Lincoln,” Lockwood said. “We expect nothing but the best from Nebraska.”

Leading the way for the Huskers (16-3) is doubles partners David Bendheim and Calin Paar, ranked No. 59.

“I think our players are ready and we look forward to the challenge of these two matches this weekend,” Lockwood said.

Friday's match begins at 2 p.m. and Sunday's match will begin at 11 a.m. Fridays match is scheduled to be played at the Headington Family Tennis Center. However, weather conditions could force the match inside to the Gregg Waddley Pavilion.

For live scoring updates click the link below.

Rice v. Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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