Bobcat Men's Tennis Tandem Nationally-Ranked Entering Spring
12/9/2021 4:09:00 PM | Football
Bobcat doubles duo ranked 33rd in Division I doubles play
BOZEMAN, Montana – Montana State's doubles team Daan Van Dijk and Matej Panik capped their first fall playing together in impressive fashion Thursday, when the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) named them the 33rd-ranked doubles team in Division I men's tennis.
Van Dijk, a sophomore from Bergen, Netherlands, and Panik, a sophomore from Cheb, Czech Republic, advanced to the ITA Fall National Championships in November. They dropped matches to the USC team ranked 10th after the fall season, and the Miami (Florida) team ranked 7th. Among the accomplishments for Van Dijk and Panik this fall was a win over the University of Denver duo ranked 32nd in the final fall rankings.
"I think it's huge for our program," said Bobcat men's tennis coach Trey Morris. "Any time when guys pop into the rankings , whether it's singles or doubles or the team, it validates our program and to a degree puts us on the map. I think we know we have good players in our program, but the recognition is a nice feeling."
The Bobcat team disperses for the semester break after final exams are completed next week, but upon returning for the second semester the season ramps up quickly. MSU hosts regional power Air Force for a dual on January 14, and is scheduled for six matches in January. Along with the AFA contest, Montana State hosts Seattle on January 28 and Oral Roberts on January 30.
Morris said a strong finish to the fall semester, both on the court and in the classroom, and staying active over the break, stand as top priorities. "We're pushing forward to finish this semester strong academically and get ready for January and beyond," he said. "It will be important for the guys to maintain their fitness level when they're gone, to maintain some rhythm on the court however they can when there are no mandatory activities. We'll keep the team in touch with each other with calls over break, and when we're back we're playing important matches right away."
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