Live Scoring Vs. Illinois

DETROIT (3/5/2014) -- After a couple of weeks of practice, the Titan men's tennis team will get back on the courts as the University of Detroit Mercy visits the University of Chicago and nationally-ranked Illinois this weekend.

"I think the guys are ready to get back out there," said head coach Grant Asher. "They have been working hard and I know they are looking forward to this weekend."

First up for the red, white and blue is NCAA Division III member Chicago on Friday at 7:00 p.m. (EST) at the Five Seasons in Burr Ridge, Ill. Chicago is 3-4 on the year and has already played one team from the Horizon League falling to UIC, 4-3, while dropping another close affair to a common opponent in a 5-4 match-up with Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Sven Kranza is the top singles player at 13-5, while Deepak Sabada usually plays No. 2 and sports a 10-5 mark. Together at doubles, the duo is 9-4 on the season.

The Titans will then look to upset No. 6 Illinois on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Atkins Tennis Center. The Fighting Illini are 7-4 on the year and are coming off a 4-1 win over No. 23 Northwestern this past Sunday.

"I know the guys are excited to come out and play teams like Illinois," said Coach Asher. "When recruits see the type of programs we play, it makes an impact."

Illinois has three players ranked in singles by the ITA in No. 8 Jared Hiltzik, No. 23 Farris Gosea and No. 33 Tim Kopinski. Hiltzik – First Team All-Big Ten a year ago - is 20-7 on the season and 6-3 at the top position. Gosea is 21-7 and 6-2 at No. 2, while Kopinski – Second Team All-Big Ten last year - is 18-7, 6-2 at No. 3.

In doubles, Kopinski and Ross Guignon are ranked No. 4 and Hiltzik and Alex Jesse are 45th.

Detroit is 2-6 on the season with a couple of one-match setbacks. The Titans have been idle since dropping a 4-3 match against IPFW on Feb. 7. Freshman Patryk Koscielski leads the team in singles with an 8-6 record, while sophomore Rafael Orantes is 7-5.

There will be live scoring for the match against Illinois by clicking here. All results will be published once they are known.