Netmen to face Hawkeyes, Gophers

They hope practice makes perfect.

After losing a crucial doubles point last weekend to Wisconsin, the Penn State men's tennis team (7-4, 0-1 Big Ten) has practiced its doubles play to prepare for two upcoming road matches against Big Ten rivals Minnesota and Iowa.

"Both matches will be tight," junior Mike Griesser said, "and every match will come down to who gets the right points at the right times."

Coach Jan Bortner said the dropped doubles point last weekend has caused much practice on doubles play this week -- and for good reason.

"We've recently emphasized doubles play because we know we have to improve," Bortner said.

Right he is.

Minnesota is a perennial powerhouse in Big Ten tennis and junior Tom Chicoine and freshman Jon Svensson are powerful players awaiting the Lions in Minneapolis.

"Minnesota is a team with a lineup solid from top to bottom," Bortner said.

No. 1 seed Griesser will likely face Chicoine, who has an all-around style of play with few weaknesses. Penn State No. 2 seed senior Colin Smeeton will likely face Svensson or junior Martin Kristoffersen, both of whom have been virtually unbeatable this season.

Whoever Smeeton faces, he knows it won't be easy.

"Minnesota is always atop the Big Ten," Smeeton said, "so we can't take them lightly at all."

As if Minnesota wasn't enough in one weekend, the Lions must face Iowa as well.

Iowa is strong Big Ten program that defeated Minnesota 4-3 last month in Iowa City. Iowa freshman Tyler Cleveland, who will likely face Griesser this Sunday, handily defeated Minnesota's Chicoine in their February match.

Cleveland plays similar to Griesser -- both players have overpowering serves and quick, attacking styles. Net play will be very important in this match because both rely on it to win games.

Alas, the doubles point is back again.

Bortner said the doubles point will be just as crucial to win in Iowa as it is in Minnesota. Griesser agreed with his coach.

"At least one of the matches will come down to who wins the doubles point," Griesser said, "so we have to win them."

Right he is.