Written by Ray Pack, Jr.

Coming off a wins against Christian Brothers & West Georgia, the Valdosta State Blazer tennis team will be hosting a match against the No. 2 team in the nation, West Florida Thursday afternoon.

The dominating performance against Christian Brothers is promised to be a great battle between the Blazers and the Buccaneers at 5 p.m.

There are hopes for a good battle against Coach Hansen’s old assistant, Derrick Racine, UWF head coach.

With a tough outing last year, the Blazers want to bounce back and make a statement against UWF.

This causes no concern in the players or coach of the Blazers who seem confident coming off their win.

“I am feeling really confident with my 1st game against them,” newcomer from Spain, Mario Navarro, said about the match up tomorrow.

Navarro and Kutschenko are doubles partners and have been dominating together led by Kutschenko leadership and Navarro will to win.

“Last year’s game was rough and it will be a tough game against the No. 2 team, but I am feeling good,”Konstantine Kutschenko, said.

Even though Kutschenkno did not play last week due to his tennis elbow, inflammation of the elbow, but he says “It is getting better everyday”

Joachim Schemn and Andrew Harvin are freshman, also double partners, this promises to be a challenge for the young players.

“The beginning of the season was hard, but I improve with every game” Schemn said about his play this season.

Harvin has no fear when it comes to facing the national championship favorite.

“It’s just a seed and they are just another team” Harvin says

In single play he says “I have more control over the situation, its mano e mano”

“We are looking to make a statement, we want to compete with the best,” Sebastin Javsyk said.

The two are doubles partners, also roommates, came together from Germany two years ago.

This match has the potential to put the Blazers in the radar of the top teams in the conference.