Five men’s tennis games to watch this season

Thailon Wilson, Staff Writer

The Rams still have four games against the University of Richmond, Temple University, James Madison University and Morgan State University to look forward to before the start of the International Tennis Association, or ITA, season on Jan. 30. 

There are matchups against college teams from all across the country to look forward to. Here are the top five matchups for VCU fans to look forward to for this 2023 spring men’s tennis season.

1. VCU vs. Clemson University, Feb. 11

• 2022 top 60 ITA teams match for the first Power Five

Clemson University is part of a Power Five conference, a university that participates in the top five conferences in the country. Shortly after the ITA Kickoff Weekend, the black and gold will head to Lynchburg, Virginia to face off against the Clemson Tigers. 

The Tigers are a part of the Atlantic Coast Conference and finished No. 57 on the ITA rankings, according to Clemson’s website. 

This game will be a good opportunity for the Rams to face some competition from a fellow top 60 ITA opponent. It will be a nice home-opener to start off the ITA season.

2. VCU vs. Michigan State University, Feb. 19

• The black and gold’s first home game opposes another Power Five adversary

The Rams will be hosting their first home game of the season against Michigan State University from the Power Five conference. 

VCU has only faced the Michigan State Spartans once before in 2013, where the Rams defeated the Spartans 5-0, according to VCU Athletics. This first home game for the black and gold will see if the Rams can change that win streak from one to two.

3. VCU vs. Virginia Tech, Feb. 26

• Will VCU prevent Virginia Tech from taking back their winning streak?

This game will take place in Blacksburg, Virginia, which symbolizes a rivalry between the two Virginia colleges. The last time these two teams met was in 2021, where the Rams beat the Hokies, 4-2. This win broke the ​​Hokies seven-game winning streak against VCU, according to VCU Athletics.

4. VCU vs. University of Texas at San Antonio, March 12

• The Roadrunners are seeking revenge

VCU will go to the Longhorn state to face off against the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners, who the Rams hosted last year in Richmond. The Rams ended up beating the Roadrunners 4-1, according to VCU Athletics.

5. VCU vs. William and Mary, April 18

• Will VCU close out their season with a win away against the College of William and Mary?

VCU will go to Williamsburg, Virginia to finish off their season against the College of William and Mary at their home turf. This game will finish off the Ram’s season and be their final game before the Atlantic 10 postseason championship tournament. 

These five matchups are definitely some of the key matches to look out for during this spring season at VCU.