Netters plan to smash Trojans' hopes for upset
Bruins face many opponents with scores to settle
By Mark Shapiro
Daily Bruin Staff
As they head into the most difficult part of their schedule, the UCLA men's tennis team will play three dual matches over the spring break holiday. There will be no vacations at the Los Angeles Tennis Center, however, as the Bruins battle USC, Pepperdine and Harvard, all of whom are ranked in the top 20.
The Bruins (15-0) head across town today to renew their rivalry with USC in the first meeting of the two teams this year. The Trojans, ranked No. 7, are led by freshman phenom Cecil Mamitt, the No. 1 player in the country. At No. 2 is senior Adam Peterson, who gave UCLA fits last season.
After a layoff, UCLA goes back into action on March 28 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center as they face Harvard University. The Crimson, who are ranked 12th in the nation, come in still smarting over the pasting that they received at the hands of the Bruins at the National Indoors. Led by senior Todd Meringoff, the Crimson will be looking for a measure of revenge.
The top-ranked Bruins will match up with Pepperdine on March 30 in Malibu. Continuing the trend of teams with a score to settle, the Waves welcome UCLA in the hopes of avenging a pair of recent Bruin routs. The situation will be a bit different this time, as it has been several years since Pepperdine lost a match at home.
The Bruins will be paced by undefeated sophomore Justin Gimelstob at the top spot, senior Srdjan Muskatirovic at No. 2, and junior Eric Taino in the third position.
Sophomore Matt Breen, junior Jason Thompson and freshman Vince Allegre, who is undefeated in his first campaign, will hold down the final three spots, with senior Heath Montgomery ready to step in.Comments to webmaster@db.asucla.ucla.edu