Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Set to Take on #41 SMU
March 30, 2004 | Cowboy Tennis
The No. 28 Cowboys are coming off of a grueling duel victory over sixth-ranked and previously unbeaten Rice. OSU improved to 10-2 with the victory with the only losses coming against Texas and Arkansas.
Mark Van Elden has been the top player for the Pokes all season. The Geelong, Victoria, Australia native is 12-0 this season with his latest victory coming in a tough three set match against Rice's Robert Searle.
The Pokes have gotten solid play up and down their lineup. Tomas Bohunicky and Boris Kuharic are each 11-1 at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively. Daniel Byrnes has improved with each match he has played and is now 10-2 on the season.
Juan Felipe Diaz gained some confidence with a hard fought three set victory in his last match over Rice's Jason Mok. Yevgen Bondarchuk has struggled with a nagging injury, but is starting to recover and get healthy.
The Mustangs are currently 12-7 and ranked No. 41 in the latest rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The biggest victory came against No. 34 California and have been tested against several highly ranked teams.
Van Elden will have his hands full with SMU's Johan Brunstrom. Brunstrom is ranked No. 70 by ITA. He is 5-3 over ranked opponents with his biggest victory coming over second-ranked Benedikt Dorsch of Baylor.
