Alabama Women's Tennis Season Set to Open Season
1/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama women's tennis team kicks off its season Friday at 5 p.m., hosting Louisville at the Hank Crisp Indoor Courts.
The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 30 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, returns five players from last year's SEC Western Division Championship team. After weeks of preparation, Alabama is ready to finally get started.
"Everyone on the team is so excited about the first dual match of the season," said head coach Jenny Mainz. "We've been competing against each other since January 5, and we're ready to go out there and compete against another team."
This will be the Tide's first meeting with the Cardinals, who were 22-7 last season under first year head coach Greg Davis.
"Louisville will be a test for our young team," Mainz said. "They are a talented and very solid team. I really believe we're ready to embrace the challenge of a very tough schedule and this is a way for them to translate the experience they earned last year."
Assistant coach Daryl Greenan, in his third season with the Tide, will not be in attendance at the Tide's opener Friday night. He will be in Georgia this weekend for his induction into the Valdosta State University Hall of Fame.
Greenan played No. 1 singles and doubles for the Blazers from 1991 to 1995. He was named the Gulf South Conference's Freshman and Player of the Year in 1992 after winning the league's singles title.
Greenan earned all-conference honors three times and was named an All-American twice. He lead Valdosta State to a top five national ranking in his senior season and finished second in the national tournament in doubles. After graduating from Valdosta State, Greenan spent two seasons as the assistant coach for the Blazers.
Saturday, at the indoor facility, both the men's and women's teams will be on hand from 3-5 p.m. for their annual Tennis Playday. The event is open to all ages and skill levels. Participants will be able to meet the team and coaches, get instruction on their game as well as enjoy free food and prizes.
