Friday, April 15
11 am
Montana State University
vs
Portland State
Photo by: Sepp Jannotta
MSU Men's Tennis Team Hosts Portland State Friday
4/14/2016 7:09:00 PM | Men's Tennis
MSU-PSU shapes up as crucial match in Big Sky playoff chase
It's not a winner-in situation. But it's close.
"It's a big one for both of us," Montana State men's tennis coach Jared Burnham says of his team's home match at 11 am Friday against Portland State. "Both teams know what's on the line."
What's on the line is likely a berth in the Big Sky Conference Championship Tournament in Sacramento later in April, although "there are some other scenarios," Burnham said. But the Cats enter weekend play with a 4-3 conference record, and Portland State is 5-4. MSU plays at Montana on Sunday before visiting Southern Utah and Northern Arizona next week PSU's final league match of the season is at Montana on Saturday.
The Vikings are led by Nathan Boniel, a sophomore from Australia who brings a 17-1 record to Bozeman on Friday. He has the top record in the Big Sky, and has compiled it at No. 1 singles. Wil Cochrane is 8-4 at No. 5 singles.
The Bobcats are led by senior Harry James, who is 7-7 overall and 4-2 in Big Sky play. He is also 8-3 in doubles competition with Alex Flink. The Bobcats are gaining steam as the season progresses, winning two straight and three of their last five. Each of the three victories are league matches.
"They're playing better," Burnham said of his young squad, on which James is the only senior. "I can see them figuring some of the little things out and they look more confident every day."
After Friday's match, the Cats play Montana in the Brawl of the Wild showdown Sunday in Missoula.
"It's a big one for both of us," Montana State men's tennis coach Jared Burnham says of his team's home match at 11 am Friday against Portland State. "Both teams know what's on the line."
What's on the line is likely a berth in the Big Sky Conference Championship Tournament in Sacramento later in April, although "there are some other scenarios," Burnham said. But the Cats enter weekend play with a 4-3 conference record, and Portland State is 5-4. MSU plays at Montana on Sunday before visiting Southern Utah and Northern Arizona next week PSU's final league match of the season is at Montana on Saturday.
The Vikings are led by Nathan Boniel, a sophomore from Australia who brings a 17-1 record to Bozeman on Friday. He has the top record in the Big Sky, and has compiled it at No. 1 singles. Wil Cochrane is 8-4 at No. 5 singles.
The Bobcats are led by senior Harry James, who is 7-7 overall and 4-2 in Big Sky play. He is also 8-3 in doubles competition with Alex Flink. The Bobcats are gaining steam as the season progresses, winning two straight and three of their last five. Each of the three victories are league matches.
"They're playing better," Burnham said of his young squad, on which James is the only senior. "I can see them figuring some of the little things out and they look more confident every day."
After Friday's match, the Cats play Montana in the Brawl of the Wild showdown Sunday in Missoula.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
2020 Hype Video
Thursday, February 13
Men's Tennis Preview | Sac St & Idaho St
Wednesday, April 05
AD Peter Fields and Coach Ash's Remarks Logo Press Conference Remarks
Wednesday, April 17
Cat Dancers - Feb. 24, 2013
Monday, March 25
