Big Red to Host #17 Michigan, #36 Michigan State

After a split road weekend opening Big Ten play, the Nebraska men’s tennis team is set to host Michigan and Michigan State in Lincoln this weekend. The #49 Huskers (8-4, 1-1 Big Ten) will face the #17 Wolverines (8-6, 2-0 Big Ten) first, at 5 p.m. (CT) on Friday, March 14. On Sunday, March 16, Nebraska takes on #36 Michigan State (6-5, 2-0 Big Ten) at noon (CT).

Both conference duals will be hosted at the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center, and feature autographs with the team after the match. Prior to the Michigan dual, the Husker coaching staff will also be offering a free clinic, only open to those in 8th grade or under, beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CT) and followed by free pizza.

The Huskers are coming off a 1-1 trip to Illinois, where they competed in their first conference duals at #20 Illinois and Northwestern. Senior Roni Hietaranta was able to claim a singles win against the Illini, but the team fell 4-1. The Big Red bounced back on Sunday, defeating the Wildcats 5-2, and notching the team’s 25th dual win under head coach Peter Kobelt.

The #49 Big Red have three Huskers in the rankings. Senior Calvin Mueller is currently ranked No. 81 in the ITA National Rankings, while doubles duo Anton Shepp and Lars Johann hold the No. 41 doubles spot.

NU looks to improve on its 2023-24 spring season finish of 17-10. The team reached the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history, and concluded with the most dual wins in a season since 1990. The Big Red finished with a national ranking of No. 49, and Mueller being named First Team All-Big Ten.

#17 Michigan (8-6, 2-0 Big Ten)
History: 1-12 U-M; Since their first matchup in 1990, NU has gone 1-12 against Michigan. Most recently, the Huskers lost 5-2 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ranked Wolverines include #61 Benjamin Kittay, #87 Gavin Young and two ranked doubles pairings in #7 Kittay/Young and #85 Kittay/Hanchikul. Michigan brings a three-win match streak to Lincoln, and has not yet lost a doubles match in Big Ten play.

#36 Michigan State (6-5, 2-0 Big Ten)
History: 8-8 tied; Since their first matchup in 1994, the Big Red and the Spartans have split their duals, with eight wins a piece. Most recently, the Huskers lost 5-2 in East Lansing, Mich.
Ranked Spartans in singles include #4 Ozan Baris, #21 Aristotelis Thanos, #63 Matthew Forbes and #78 Max Sheldon. On the doubles court, Baris/Thanos are ranked No. 53. MSU opened its season with a 5-2 upset win over #7 Kentucky, but the team had a five-loss streak at the hands of #2 TCU (4-1), #19 Tennessee (4-3), Clemson (5-2), Boise State (4-3) and #27 Cornell (4-3).

Parking and admission are free, and outside food and drink are not permitted.

Live stats and stream will be available, as well as updates and content shared on social media channels, @HuskerMTennis.