State Returns To SEC Play By Hosting Kentucky On Friday
State enters Friday's contest with a 3-9 overall record and an 0-4 conference mark. The Bulldogs have lost seven straight this season with the last three coming as 4-3 decisions. MSU is led this season by 39th-ranked junior Ivan Bjelica. The Belgrade, Serbia, native has won four straight to improve his season's record to 20-10. Also helping State's cause is sophomore Ryan Farlow. The second-year product from Madison, Miss., is 16-10 this season including a 7-3 clip in dual matches.
Kentucky comes in with a 10-6 overall record and a 2-2 mark in the conference. The Wildcats are led by 88th-ranked sophomore Bruno Agostinelli who was the SEC rookie of the year last season. Agostinelli is 16-10 this season including an 8-5 dual match record. Also making an impact for the Cats this year are transfers Will Ward and Peter Bjork. Ward is 9-5 overall this season while Bjork is 15-9. Ward and Bjork also lead UK in doubles as they are 8-0 this season and are ranked 22nd.
UK holds a slight 20-17 lead in the all-time series dating back to 1971. The Bulldogs however hold the advantage in Starkville, as they have won 10 of the 14 meetings. The last meeting between MSU and UK came last season in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament where the Bulldogs came away with a 4-3 win and advanced to face Georgia in the semifinals.
Following Friday's match, State will continue their homestand by hosting Vanderbilt on Sunday. That match is set for 1 p.m. at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre.
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