The Omnibus

Issue date: 4/22/04 Section: Sports

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The Southwest Baptist University men's tennis team rallied off five consecutive victories last week.

Media Credit: Mandy Waller Southwest Baptist University sophomore Peter Joos prepares for his next match during an afternoon practice.

"We were 13-4 when we left and we are 18-4 now," Head Coach John Bryant said.

The team was victorious over five teams at the Bronco Invitational last weekend in Oklahoma City. Their biggest win came on Saturday when they defeated Drury, the fifth ranked NCAA Division II team in the nation, 5-4.

On Thursday SBU defeated 28th ranked St. Edwards 6-3, and on Friday SBU knocked off East Central 5-0 and Cameron 5-2. Saturday, the team continued to cruise, beating 40th ranked Midwestern State 5-1.

"In February we get physically tough," Bryant said. "In March we get match tough. In April we want to win against anybody, and in May our confidence is such that we will be seriously competing in Orlando for a national championship."

This year will mark the team's 33rd trip to the national tournament.

"Only one team wins the last match and this year we have the ability to win it," Bryant said. "Win, lose or draw I couldn't be more pleased with the player development, hard work both in the classroom and on the tennis court. This team will be named All-American academic. We have players that have the ability to win versus any Division II team in the country and most Division I teams. We have veterans. We have paid our dues. We are planning to go Florida and plan to stay a while."

The Bearcats will now concentrate on the MIAA Championships which will be held in Topeka, Kan., April 24- 25.

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