The No. 16 Illinois men’s tennis team will open its spring season with a couple of matches against Toledo and Ball State on Saturday. The Illini will play the Rockets in Indianapolis. Illinois will take on Ball State in Carmel, Ind.

Two returning seniors join three sophomores and four freshmen, signaling a lack of collegiate experience, though they played at last week’s Illini Open in Fort Myers, Fla. Even sophomore Ross Guignon has a low-match count, having suffered from an osteochondral defect in his right knee after a season-long strain.

But head coach Brad Dancer said he isn’t letting the inexperience bother him.

“I think one thing that everyone will see, whether its students, fans or anyone that comes out to watch, you’ll see a team that plays with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of gumption.” Dancer said.

Given the freshmen class’s passion, Guignon and senior Stephen Hoh both agree the best way to help freshmen is to set examples in practice and stay productive, in hopes others will follow their lead.

“Our seniors have been through a tremendous amount in their time here, and they’ve seen it all,” Dancer said. “The next step for them is can they play a role in teaching these guys in terms of where they need to be.”

The one challenge Dancer anticipates is the match’s unfamiliar scoring format — every game will contribute to the overall score as opposed to matches as wholes.

“This team requires a lot more one-on-one communication, and that’s something that I think is a strength of our staff,” Dancer said.

Illinois defeated Toledo 6-1 in the teams’ last matchup, but that was four years ago. Illinois defeated Ball State 7-0 last season.

“I know we’re going to work hard in practice and fight hard, but it’s just a matter of if the team can execute,” Hoh said.

J.J. can be reached at [email protected].