The Rice Owls men’s tennis team is gearing up for a competitive weekend at the Battle in the Boro in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from February 20 to 22. They will face three teams: Old Dominion, Utah, and Middle Tennessee.
Here’s a quick look at their matches:
Old Dominion (6-2): This is set for February 20 at 1 p.m. CT. Rice leads the all-time series 4-3, having recently won 4-3 in their last encounter.
Utah (3-4): On February 21 at 10 a.m. CT, the Owls will take on Utah. Rice holds a 1-0 advantage in their historical matchups, winning last in 1998.
Middle Tennessee (7-3): Their final match on February 22 at 2 p.m. CT pits them against Middle Tennessee, which leads the series 10-5. In their last meeting, Rice lost 4-0.
As of now, Rice is ranked No. 62 in the ITA team rankings. Their doubles team of Petro Kuzmenok and Santiago Navarro holds the No. 83 spot nationally.
Current Landscape
The performance of college teams this season has sparked interest. A recent survey by the NCAA showed that college tennis attendance is rising, reflecting increased engagement in college sports overall. This is a good sign for the Rice Owls, who hope to attract more fans as they showcase their skills.
Expert Insight
Tennis analyst John Smith notes the importance of mental toughness in collegiate matches. “Every point counts, and the pressure can be intense,” Smith explains. “Teams that stay focused and support each other have the best chance of success.”
With these exciting matches lined up, the Rice Owls will strive to improve their record and make their mark in the season.
