The Basics
Oklahoma State's men's tennis team (2-4 overall; 0-0 Big 12) is set for a full slate this weekend as they square off against Cornell on Friday and UNLV on Saturday and Sunday at the Greenwood Tennis Center.
Following the Action
All matches can be viewed at: https://okla.st/2XJRbik. Live stats can also be viewed at: https://okla.st/3HjAxLo.
In the Rankings
Oklahoma State is not ranked in the ITA Division I Rankings. Cornell and UNLV are also unranked.
Oklahoma State junior Seb Nothhaft made his debut in the ITA singles ranking at No. 88. UNLV’s Christopher Bulus checked in at No. 44
Series History
This will be the first meeting in program history between the Cowboys and Cornell.
Oklahoma State holds a 10-5 all-time record against UNLV. The last time the two teams met dates back to the 2016-17 season, where OSU rolled to a 4-1 victory.
Oklahoma State From A Distance
The Cowboys continue their homestand after a down-to-the-wire competition that fell the way of No. 18 Pepperdine, 4-2. Notably, Seb Nothhaft notched an impressive singles victory over No. 15 Andrew Rogers, 6-4, 6-1. Freshman Fran Pini also got the Cowboys on the board after dominating No. 99 Eric Hadigian, 7-6(8), 6-1.
The remainder of OSU's spring slate is filled with a competitive schedule full of opportunities for the new class of Cowboys. OSU began a new chapter in 2021-22 with nine new faces and one veteran that fill the roster. Luke Hammond highlights the new season as the only returner from the 2020-21 season. Hammond leads a class of three freshmen, two sophomores and four juniors. Notably, six of the new faces first-year head coach Dustin Taylor recruited are transfers from Power Five schools.
The biggest storyline has been Tyler Zink who earned a main draw wild card at the U.S. Open. The two-time All-American finished the 2021 season with a final ITA ranking of No. 8 in doubles at the University of Georgia. Zink also had a run in the ITA All-American Championships as well as individual tournaments throughout his fall campaign. The junior also found himself ranked among the nation's best by the ITA Preseason ranking at No. 30.
Accompanied by Taylor is assistant coach Dane Webb. During his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, Webb was a three-time All-American, and the most decorated Sooner in the program with a total of 212 during his run. The tandem holds skill that will lead the program to navigate a successful spring.
Streak and Trends
- OSU is 10-5 against UNLV, dating back to 1983.
- This will be the first meeting in program history between OSU and Cornell.
An Oklahoma State Win Would...
- Extend head coach Dustin Taylor's record to 3-4 for his first season at OSU.
-Make head coach Dustin Taylor 3-1 at home for his first season at OSU.
- Make OSU 1-0 all-time vs. Cornell
- Make OSU 11-5 all-time vs. UNLV
