Posted: 11/1/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Josh Birnbaum The Daily Illini Illinois' freshman Marc Spicijaric returns the ball in a match against Illinois alumnus Evan Zeder in the qualifying rounds of the US Tennis Association Challenger Series at Atkins Tennis Center on Nov. 12, 2005. [Click to enlarge]

The Illinois men's tennis team will represent the school all over the country this weekend, sending three players to a professional event in Nashville, two freshmen to a college tournament in Las Vegas, and junior Ryan Rowe to the prestigious National Indoor Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

The National Indoors is the second of three major individual national championships at the collegiate level each year. In the first, the Intercollegiate Association Ralph Lauren Polo All-American Championships, Rowe and junior Kevin Anderson both made the quarterfinals of the singles draw.

The indoor surface plays quicker than most outdoor courts, making hard-hit balls travel a little faster - benefiting players who, like Rowe, try to dominate each match.

That element could make it his best chance to advance deep into a national singles tournament.

"Indoors is definitely better for me," Rowe said. "It's a lot faster, which helps my serve. I'm a very aggressive player, trying to move forward, and Indoors generally helps players that play that kind of style."

Head coach Brad Dancer said Rowe could be tested in the first round by Clement Reix of Clemson, who also made the quarterfinals of the All-Americans.

"It's going to be a great challenge for Ryan," Dancer said. "Ryan's game is unique and hard for guys to play against the first time. The spin on his serve, a lot of people don't see that, so it takes them a while to get used to it. If he goes out and plays very aggressive, I think he'll be in good shape."

Anderson also qualified for the National Indoors but will play instead at the professional Music City Challenger in Nashville with junior Brandon Davis and sophomore Marc Spicijaric.

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