Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Men's Tennis Set to Open 1999 Season
June 21, 1999 | Men's Tennis
February 2, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech Red Raiders open their 1999 season on Friday, February 5, with a match against Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. in the Athletic Training Center on the Texas Tech Campus. The men return to action on Sunday, February 7, when they face West Texas A&M, in a match that was originally scheduled for January 31, in the ATC at 1p.m.
The men's team will look to make their fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament. Under Director of Texas Tech Tennis Tim Siegel's leadership the Red Raiders have advanced to postseason play in four of the past five seasons.
"We are excited to open the men's 1999 season at home," Siegel said. "We have a talented team with great chemistry. I think this team has an opportunity to be one the most successful I've had here during my years at Texas Tech."
This year's team is a mix of experienced veterans and first-year players that have been successful in the international ranks. Among those to watch are Borut Martincevic (Maribor, Slovenia) who will likely play at the No. 1 position. Martincevic sat out the 1997-98 due to eligibility requirements, but now stands poised and ready to lead Texas Tech. This fall he was the champion on the Red Raider Open and won four straight matches in the qualifying rounds of the National Clay Court Championships before having to withdraw with an appendicitis.
Last year's No. 1 player Petar Danolic (Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herz) also returns to the team for his senior year. His leadership and experience should aid the team significantly. Despite having a disappointing junior season, the former 1995 all-southwest conference player has refocused for 1999 and should return to top form.
Finally, Jevgenij Cariov (Lithuania) makes his debut on Friday as one of Siegel's most anticipated recruits to don the scarlet and black. He boasts impressive a resume of impressive international credentials including advancing to the round of 16 at the junior Australian Open. In practice, Cariov has impressed coaches with his powerful play and eagerness to improve further.
"Jevgenij is going to be one of the best recruits we've had here over the past few years," Siegel said. "He is a very talented and experienced big strong player. He is my type of guy with a real aggressive style "
Admission to all Texas Tech tennis matches is free.
