Griz enter final stretch of season
4/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
The Montana Grizzlies men's tennis team has performed well enough this season that a Big Sky tournament appearance at the end of the season is almost in hand.
What still has to be decided? What seed they will earn, and Saturday's match against Idaho (12-8/6-2 BSC) will go a long way in telling where Montana (7-7/6-2 BSC) will fall.
The two teams share identical 6-2 records in conference play, and are currently tied for third place in the conference. The top six teams make the conference tournament, with the top two earning first round byes.
Coach Kris Nord knows how important the match is concerning where the Griz will finish.
"It's huge in terms of seeding and trying to finish as high as we can in the conference," Nord said.
The match, which was originally scheduled to be played outdoors, has been moved inside due to inclement weather. The Griz are used to playing indoors, and Nord doesn't think it affects the match-up.
"We're accustomed to (playing indoors) and I don't really think it gives either team an advantage," Nord said. "But overall, Idaho is a really talented team. I'm surprised they have two losses, and I know they are going to be very, very ready for us, because they've seen what we've been doing the last month.
"It will be a big challenge, but if our guys go up there and we can compete our best, we have a shot at it."
After the match against Idaho on Saturday, the Griz travel to Cheney, Washington to challenge the Eastern Washington Eagles (5-13/3-5 BSC). The Eagles currently sit in eighth place, two games out of the final playoff position.
But the Eagles' record doesn't show just how dangerous they are, as Nord is well aware.
"They are a scary team," Nord said. "They had match points to beat Montana State, who is tied for second in our conference. They beat Portland State 6-1, a team we lost 5-2 to. Our conference is crazy."
Once again, it appears that the Griz will be playing indoors, but the courts in Cheney offer a unique style, which benefits the hosts.
"It's very possible we will have them indoors, and that's a distinct advantage to them because their indoor courts are very fast and that's a lot different than what we're used to," Nord said. "We'll have to try and get in there late Saturday night and get a hit in and get accustomed to it."
The primary focus for Montana is the match against Idaho, but Eastern Washington lies in the back of their minds.
"Right now, we're obviously just going to focus on Idaho, and I can guarantee you we won't overlook Eastern, because they are a good team," Nord said. "We have our hands full this weekend."
