Western Illinois Men’s Tennis Opens Spring Season

Leathernecks Travel to Eastern Illinois, host Illinois-Springfield

MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois men's tennis team kicks off the 2016 spring season on Friday, February 5, as the Leathernecks travel to Charleston, Illinois, for an in-state showdown against Eastern Illinois. First serve is slated for 12:30 p.m. Following Friday's contest, the Purple and Gold return to open the home portion of its schedule on Saturday, February 6, as Illinois-Springfield comes to play Western Illinois. The match between the Leathernecks and Prairie Stars is set to get underway at 12:30 in Galesburg.

"Our players are looking forward to opening the spring schedule," said head coach Mashiska Washington. "We have been working very well on the court during practice and this will be our opportunity to return to competition."

The Leathernecks return four athletes from last year's roster and are led by senior Nikola Pavlovic, who tallied four victories last season from the No. 2 and No. 3 position. Pavlovic collected a Summit League victory at the No. 3 spot over Omaha's John Ellis. Returning for the Purple and Gold are sophomores Jacob Sanders and Surya Sawhney and senior Ross Smith.

Five Leathernecks make their spring dual debut. Seniors Kerry Nozum and Zane Schmudlach add experience to the Purple and Gold lineup. Kerry's brother, Christopher Nozum, is one of three freshmen on the squad, and is joined by Nolan Jones and Brady Smith.

Pavlovic is slated to represent the Leathernecks in the No. 1 singles slot, while Sawhney and Sanders are anticipated to round out the top three. Jones looks to contribute immediately as a freshman at the No. 4 position, and Ross Smith and Kerry Nozum are set to fill out the starting six for WIU in singles action.

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Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic: Senior

Jacob Sanders: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney: Sophomore

Ross Smith: Senior

Nolan Jones: Freshman

Christopher Nozum: Freshman

Kerry Nozum: Senior

Brady Smith: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Nikola Pavlovic
: Senior

Jacob Sanders
: Sophomore

Surya Sawhney
: Sophomore

Ross Smith
: Senior

Nolan Jones
: Freshman

Christopher Nozum
: Freshman

Kerry Nozum
: Senior

Brady Smith
: Freshman