Men's Tennis 2/14/2015 10:00:00 AM

MEN’S TENNIS OPENS WITH NO. 59 VCU, GEORGE MASON IN RICHMOND

Feb. 15, 2015 :: 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Thalhimer Tennis Center :: Richmond, Va.
Live Stats: Link

Radford (0-0)
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No. 59 VCU (8-3)
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George Mason (2-1)
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RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's tennis team finally gets its 2015 dual schedule underway Sunday in the Commonwealth's capital when the Highlanders square off against in-state foes VCU (10 a.m.) and George Mason (1 p.m.). Both matches will follow a 4-1 format, consisting of four singles matches and one doubles match played concurrently.

RADFORD ROUNDUP
There are a lot of unknowns for RU heading into its first two matches of the season. Only two of Radford's six players have played a collegiate dual match. Of those two, only senior captain Patrick O'Keefe is an upperclassman.

The rest of the Highlanders' lineup is comprised of three freshmen, one redshirt sophomore and one sophomore. Nonetheless, Radford's youth doesn't concern six-time Big South Coach of the Year Mike Anderson.

"Even though this year's team may lack experience, I believe this may be one of the most complete lineups I've ever had," Anderson offered. "We are definitely stronger at Nos. 4-6 than last year. Because of our balance, we have had some extremely competitive practices. Our underclassmen are ready to make an immediate impact."

One of those underclassmen, Michiel Meekers, recorded a team-high six wins during fall tournament play. Meekers opened his collegiate career with a three-set triumph over VCU's Wilder Pimentel at the Duke Fab Four last fall.

SCOUTING VCU
The Rams (8-3), ranked 59^th in the latest ITA poll, are in the midst of an 11-match homestand. All three of their losses were to nationally-ranked opponents: Louisville, Virginia and Brown.

Michael Voscek has primarily played in the No. 1 singles position for VCU, posting a 7-3 record. Two of his three losses were to nationally-ranked individuals. Voscek and O'Keefe collided at the UVa Fall Classic last October, with O'Keefe dropping a tight 6-4, 6-3 decision.

VCU finished as the Atlantic 10 Conference runner-up last year, notching a 15-13 overall record. The Rams only return four players from a season ago, while welcoming six newcomers.

SCOUTING GEORGE MASON
Through their first three matches, the Patriots have tallied a 2-1 record. They are coming off their first loss of the season Friday night at home against James Madison.

Mason opened its dual schedule with victories over Morgan State (6-1) and Mary Washington (4-3). The Patriots finished 13-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play last year, which was their inaugural season in the A-10.

UP NEXT
RU is back on the court next Saturday, Feb. 21 in Richmond, Ky., for a 10 a.m. bout with Eastern Kentucky. The Highlanders last played EKU on March 3, 2013, prevailing (4-1) in a neutral-site match at Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center in Blacksburg, Va.

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Players Mentioned

Patrick O'Keefe: 5' 11"; Senior

Michiel Meekers: 6' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Patrick O'Keefe
: 5' 11"; Senior

Michiel Meekers
: 6' 4"; Freshman