Men's tennis seeks repeat in opener

By Albert Kim (kf, jls, sbo)

Daily Sports Writer

There will be a slight hint of nostalgia for Michigan coach Mark Mees at the Varsity Tennis Center Sunday when his team opens the season against Western Michigan.

In last season's opener, the Wolverines beat Western Michigan and gave Mees his first victory at Michigan.

After a year of adjustment to their new coach, the Wolverines hope to repeat the result.

"I definitely feel more comfortable with him this year - I'm sure all the other guys on the team feel the same," sophomore Jeremy Edelson said.

No. 29 Michigan has won the past two dual matches against Western Michigan, 6-1 and 6-1. Last year, the Wolverines finished with a 16-7 record, advancing to the second round of the NCAA regional.

Western Michigan comes in this season as the defending Mid-American Conference champions, and the No. 72-ranked team in the country. Some may think of the Broncos as a pushover for Michigan, but the Wolverines don't believe so.

"Western is one of the better teams in the MAC, and since it's the first dual match of the year, everyone's going to be a little nervous," sophomore Chris Shaya said.

Several Michigan players are bogged down with injuries, most notably sophomore Chris Rolf with an inflamed elbow. His status for Sunday's match is uncertain. Greg Novak suffered a similar injury last weekend, but has been practicing this week.

Sunday's opener marks the first of five-straight nonconference home matches. And all the nostalgia in the world won't help decide the first break point.