April 11, 2012

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army men’s tennis will welcome Patriot League foe Bucknell to Malek Courts on Thursday, with the first serve slated for 3 p.m.  The match against the Bison (6-11, 1-1 PL) is the first of two matches for the Black Knights (12-9, 3-0 PL) this week, as Army will travel to Annapolis, Md., on Saturday for the annual Star Match against academy rival Navy. 

Last Time Out
Army last took the courts on April 4, when it defeated NJIT 6-1 at Malek Courts. The Black Knights took five of six singles contests, including four in straight sets. Sophomore Asika Isoh stretched his team-leading doubles and singles totals with a pair of wins, as both mirror an 18-11 mark.

About Bucknell
The Bison stand in a tie for third place in the Patriot League standings with a 1-1 mark. BU defeated Colgate 4-3 on April 6, but lost to Navy by the same margin on March 25. Six of Bucknell’s 11 losses have come by 4-3 decisions. Josh Katten leads the Bison in singles victories with a 19-9 mark, with seven of those victories coming at the No. 4 spot.  

The Series
Army and Bucknell have faced each other 28 times since 1971, with the Black Knights leading 25-3. The two conference foes squared off twice last season, with Army winning 6-1 in Lewisburg during the regular season before knocking off the Bison 4-2 in the Patriot League Tournament semifinals. All three of BU’s wins over Army came between 1971-74, with the Black Knights winning 25 straight heading into Thursday.

Up Next
Army will travel to Annapolis, Md., on Saturday to face academy rival Navy. The annual Star Match is set for a 1 p.m., start. The Black Knights and Midshipmen stand atop the Patriot League standings as both boast undefeated conference marks. Army defeated Navy, 4-3, to win last season’s Star at Malek Courts, clinching the league’s regular-season title in the process.