The UIS men's tennis team will open its 2025 season this Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10:00 a.m., as they host No. 8-ranked Washburn at the Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center.

Illinois Springfield
UIS hosted Southwestern Illinois for a scrimmage on Saturday, and is eager to get to regular season competition. 

Experienced returners for the Prairie Stars include Pablo Herrera and Lin En Tan, both of whom bring valuable experience and leadership to the team. Sophomore Viktor Karpati is expected to take on an expanded role this year, aiming to make an even bigger impact. Newcomers Lukas Pieringer and Jorge Roman, who joined UIS in the fall, are anticipated to be key contributors. Antonio Ayerbe Strubbel, a transfer who joined the team at the semester break, will also add depth and strength to the lineup as the Prairie Stars look to start the season strong.

No. 8 Washburn
The Ichabods enter the match as the preseason favorite in the 2025 MIAA/GAC North Division Coaches Poll, after winning the past two MIAA/GAC Tournament Championships. Last season, Washburn was dominant in its conference, finishing first in the regular season with a perfect 5-0 record in the North Division.

Washburn's fall season was highlighted by strong individual and doubles performances. Four Ichabods—Tim Hammes, Matthew Earle, Vasek Schneider, and Tommy Cecchetti—qualified for the ITA Cup. Hammes clinched the ITA Central Region Singles Championship, with Schneider finishing as the runner-up. In doubles, Schneider and Cecchetti took second place in the region. At the ITA Cup, Washburn secured a National Championship for the second straight year, with Hammes and Earle taking the doubles crown.

This will be Washburn's regular season opener after shaking off the rust with an exhibition match against Cowley County on Saturday.