University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Illinois
Minnesota Continues Road Trip With Pair of Matches in Illinois
3/17/2022 11:15:00 AM | Tennis
Gophers visit Champaign on Friday, take on Northwestern in Evanston on Sunday
The University of Minnesota tennis team resumes play this weekend, as they continue their road trip with a pair of matches in Illinois. They take on the Fighting Illini on Friday, before heading North to Evanston on Sunday. The Gophers will look to start their Big Ten season on the right foot, as they square off against a pair of ranked opponents. In the most recent ITA poll, Illinois ranked No. 68, while the Wildcats came in at No. 39. Minnesota remains ranked in the top 50 for the fourth straight week, as they sit at No. 42.
Already with a trio of ranked victories, Minnesota has the opportunity to add two more over the course of three days. Coach Catrina Thompson seeks her first win against Illinois, and the program's first since 2011. The Gophers look to secure their first win against Northwestern since 2019.
Previous Match
Minnesota last played on Mar. 7, a convincing 6-1 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Minnesota won both doubles matches, before cruising to five of six singles wins. In the prior match, the Gophers fell to ranked Nebraska in Lincoln. They finished the weekend 1-1, and improved to 12-3 on the season.
The Competition
Illinois is 7-5 on the year, and 6-0 in home matches. The Fighting Illini are looking to rebound, following a pair of losses to No. 24 Kansas and No. 3 Oklahoma. Each of Illinois' five losses this year have come against ranked opponents. Minnesota trails the series record 17-34 against Illinois, and will look to narrow the gap on Friday. This marks the Big Ten opener for Illinois, as Minnesota seeks their second road win of the early Big Ten season.
Northwestern is 5-4 this season, unbeaten on the year in Evanston. The Wildcats lost their most recent match against No. 24 Kansas, breaking their run of four straight wins. This marks the 51st matchup between the two programs, as Minnesota looks to add to their win total.
How to Follow
Live scoring and streaming will be available for Saturday's match courtesy of Illinois Athletics. First serve will be underway at 4:00 p.m. Live scoring and streaming will be offered for Sunday's 12:00 p.m. match through Northwestern Athletics. Live coverage and updates will be available on GopherWTennis Twitter for each match. Recap and Statistics will be posted upon result completion.