LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Playing a match for the first time in 10 months because of Covid-19 cancelations, the UNLV men's tennis team is a late addition to the 2021 ITA Kickoff Weekend event.

The Rebels, whose last action came March 8 of last year when they downed Southern Utah to improve to 13-1, will open this dual season by facing the nation's top-ranked team, USC, on Saturday at 3 pm PT at the host Trojans' Marks Stadium on campus. USC, in fact, also boasts the sport's top-ranked singles player in Daniel Cukierman and the top-ranked doubles team in Cukierman and Riley Smith. Overall, a stunning five Trojans are ranked in singles along with two doubles teams.

The Rebels, who last year set a school record for highest win percentage at .928, bring back their entire lineup, led by seniors Alex Kobelt and Eric Samuelsson.

Also taking part in the USC pod is No. 18 UCLA, which will face California in the early match. The losing teams will face each other in the consolation match Sunday at 10 am while the winners will tangle at 3 pm. The winner of the 13th annual event will earn a trip to the 2021 ITA National Team Indoor Championship.

"To be included in such an elite field is a testament to our body of work before last season was cut short in March," said UNLV head coach Owen Hambrook. "We are grateful for the opportunity to compete again and it would not be possible without the hard work of our administration, medical staff and trainers."

Live scoring and streaming of all matches this weekend are available at the website usctrojans.com.

2021 ITA KICKOFF WEEKEND

At USC Marks Stadium, Los Angeles

Saturday, Jan. 23  

California vs. No. 18 UCLA (10 am)

UNLV at No. 1 USC (3 pm)

Sunday, Jan. 24  

Consolation Match (10 am)

Championship Match (3 pm)