Feb. 1, 2008
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's tennis team will host conference rival Loyola Marymount on Saturday. The match originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m. has been moved to 10:00 a.m. in an effort to avoid the expected afternoon rain. Santa Clara faces Loyola Marymount after a two week break from play due to weather. Likewise, the Lions have yet to play a dual match this season due to weather.
Due to the poor court conditions from the continual rain, the Broncos have seen limited practice time to prepare for the Lions. Nonetheless, they have continued to work hard and stay focused on LMU.
"It has been tough on everyone because of the rain and cold weather," said Coach Derek Mills. "The weather has made us miss matches and practices, but the guys are staying focused and when we have been able to play on the courts they have been playing very well."
Aside from weather, the Broncos lineup is seeing several new starters. Currently playing at the No. 2 and No. 3 singles spots are Steven Benvenuto and Kenzo Hirakawa-Wong, respectively. Both players who saw limited action last season are proving to be strong and successful at the top half of the Bronco lineup, as they are currently 1-0 in dual matches.
"Steven and Kenzo are really working hard and taking advantage of this opportunity," said Mills. "They did not play much last season and are now in the thick of the lineup. I see them working hard everyday in practice because they know that it is up to them to stay strong and keep performing well.
The Broncos look to earn their first conference win at home, after splitting its first two matches of the season.