Roberta Alison Fall Classic Begins Friday in Tuscaloosa
10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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» Roberta Alison Classic Information
» 2003 Roberta Alison Tournament Draws 
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The 2003 Roberta Alison Fall Classic, an annual women's tennis tournament hosted by the University of Alabama begins Friday at Tuscaloosa's Student Recreation Tennis Complex.
Competing in the event, along with the University of Alabama, are nine other schools: Auburn, Birmingham Southern, Florida State, Lousiana-Monroe, Mississippi State, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Samford, South Alabama and UAB.
Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz said the event, which commemorates UA's first female varsity athlete, Roberta Alison, is always something that she and her players look forward to.
"It's a big deal," Mainz said. "(Roberta Alison) was a pioneer in women's athletics and I admire her courage. What a privilege it is for us to recognize her courage and achievements with this tournament."
Mainz also said she is very pleased with the mix of teams involved in the tournament and is happy to have six schools from the state of Alabama competing.
In addition to the Roberta Alison Classic, another member of the Tide women's team, sophomore Robin Stephenson, will also be competing at the Riviera All-American Championships in Los Angeles, Calif. beginning Friday.
"I think this is a tremendous opportunity for Robin," Mainz said. "It's a national tournament and the caliber of play is phenomenal. It will be great experience for Robin to have exposure and visibility among such talent."
The schedule of events for the Roberta Alison Classic tournament is as follows:
Friday, October 3
First and second round doubles matches - 8 AM
First round singles matches - 1 PM
Saturday, October 4
Doubles playoffs and finals - 8 AM
Singles second round - 1PM
Sunday, October 5
Singles playoffs and finals - 8 AM
