M. tennis plays host to winless Mustangs
Bruins hope for continued momentum
in today’s match at L.A. Tennis Center
By Mark Singerton
After an impressive outing against Pacific, the fourth-ranked
UCLA men’s tennis team looks to ride another wave against Southern
Methodist today at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
The Mustangs are a disappointing 0-2 on the year and have won
only two dual match points all season. In their first match of the
season, SMU got clobbered 7-0 by Tennessee.
In contrast, the Bruins are coming off a 7-0 decision of their
own, and will be the clear favorites in today’s contest.
"It’s certainly an easier match for us than a Pepperdine or
UNLV," UCLA head coach Billy Martin said. "How much so I have no
idea. I believe if we keep our focus and concentrate out there that
it can be a very winnable match."
UCLA holds an all-time 12-2 edge over their unranked foe, who
are coached by Martin’s long-time associate Carl Neuseld. Martin is
familiar with Neuseld from their playing days in junior tennis.
"We both grew up in the Chicago area, and we used to play
against each other during the winter seasons," Martin recalls.
The coaching matchup may receive more fanfare than the team
matchup, as both UCLA and SMU are headed in opposite directions in
the early season. The Mustangs are unranked and the Bruins are well
on their way to another final four appearance.
"I think as a team we’re looking really good right now,"
sophomore Eric Lin said. "We haven’t had much time together yet,
but we all get along well and I think the (incoming freshmen) will
fit in very well. I honestly believe that we are the best team in
the country right now, in both singles and doubles."
Individually, Lin’s game has improved steadily over the last few
months, and it showed against Pacific in a 6-1, 6-1 win in singles
and an 8-1 doubles win with senior Robert Janecek.
"My game’s coming along pretty well," Lin said. "Last year I had
an ankle injury and it prevented me from getting into the lineup.
I’m practicing hard and I’m healthy at this point. If I can stay
healthy I’m sure I’ll do well."
Martin is satisfied with both Lin’s and the the team’s
performances thus far, but maintains that there is a long way to go
before the NCAAs.