March 6, 2009

Contact: Dana Ingraham

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State junior standout Phil Orno has been named Horizon League Player of the Week for the second time this spring, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon.

Orno has compiled an impressive overall record at first singles as well as first doubles thus far. His most recent singles victories against Dayton and Youngstown State bring his record to 10-1 at the No. 1 spot, his only loss coming against Toledo on Feb. 15.

Additionally, Orno and classmate Ryan Hamning remain a dominant force at No. 1 doubles where they post a perfect 10-0 record.

"Phil has been playing tremendous tennis," said CSU head coach Brian Etzkin. "His focus continues to improve because he is never satisfied with his game."

Orno's next opportunity to rise above satisfaction comes this weekend when the Vikings take on IPFW Friday night at River Oaks Racquet Club. The men's and women's double header will begin at 7:00 p.m. Last year against the same opponent, CSU's men and women earned 7-0 and 5-2 victories, respectively.

"Our guys have been looking great, and we are looking for this match against Ft. Wayne to be a strong ending to the indoor season," said Etzkin.

"Even though the women had success against Ft. Wayne in the fall tournaments, we are not going to take this match lightly. They are a quality team and we need to play well to win."

The Viking men will have the rest of the weekend off before traveling to Columbus on Tuesday, March 10, to face the third ranked team in the country, Ohio State.

Cleveland State's women will stay home to host a doubleheader on Sunday, March 8, against Oakland and Dayton. First serves are scheduled for 9:00 a.m.

"Oakland has already beaten a Horizon League opponent in Valparaiso this year, and Dayton looks to be much improved from last year," Etzkin said. "We are looking forward to two very competitive matches on Sunday."