Blue Raiders prepare for ranked competition

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Middle Tennessee men's tennis team will look to break a two-match losing streak this week.

The Blue Raiders have been hindered by injuries the last two weeks and will use this weekend to get back in the game.

"It has been a hard start to the season losing three of my top six players to injuries. Freshman Matthew Langley, who started the season 4-1 in singles and 5-0 in doubles, has been out for three weeks because an injury to his foot. I am hoping that he will be back soon," head coach David McNamara said.

Middle Tennessee will face No. 38 East Tennessee State on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. in Johnson City, Tenn. The Blue Raiders have lost two close matches in their last outings falling to Northwestern 4-3 and No. 28 Vanderbilt 5-2.

Middle Tennessee will then travel to Norfolk, Va. where it will play No. 74 Old Dominion at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. Then on Sunday, Feb. 22 the Blue Raiders round out their trip when they face No. 33 Virginia Commonwealth at 9 a.m.

In addition to losing Langley for a few weeks, the Blue Raiders have also lost junior Victor for a few weeks and sophomore Richard Cowden for the season due to injuries.

"We have a tough road trip ahead of us playing three nationally ranked teams ETSU, Old Dominion and VCU. If the team was completely healthy I would be confident however this is not the case and our other players are going to have to step-up," McNamara said. "It will be hard to ask but we are looking forward to the challenge and ultimately through these tough situation's we will come out as a better team."

Results from all of the Blue Raiders' matches this weekend will be available on goblueraiders.com.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.