Alabama Men's Tennis Moves Outdoors on the Road
2/19/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
|
The 17th-ranked University of Alabama men's tennis team (2-1) heads outdoors for the first time this season with road matches against South Florida (2-1, 1-0 C-USA) in Tampa, Fla. on Friday and Central Florida (3-6, 1-0 A-Sun) in Orlando, Fla. on Sunday.
Alabama head coach Billy Pate said that he was encouraged by his team's level of play against 16th-ranked Ohio State last Saturday. Despite the loss, the Tide had several opportunities to win in singles and doubles.
"Both matches this weekend will be extremely difficult and will offer great challenge for our team," Pate said. "We learned a lot about ourselves at Ohio State last week and we're anxious to get back on court in an outdoor environment. Our main purpose is to continue to get ready for conference play which begins in a couple of weeks."
Alabama is currently in the middle of a three-match road trip, but that's just the beginning of the Tide's travels this year. Alabama will play at least seven matches away from Tuscaloosa from Feb. 25 thru March 26, and if the Tide is able to reach the finals of the Blue-Gray Classic in Montgomery, the string will extend to eight matches away from home.
In the current Intercollegiate Tennis Association team rankings, South Florida is No. 35 while Central Florida is No. 75. Alabama won a close contest against the Bulls last season, pulling out a 4-3 victory on Stephen Mitchell's match-clinching win.
"South Florida is deep and talented and I'm expecting a very competitive match," Pate said. "Last year it was a dog fight with them as it will be this time. Central Florida has been hampered by injuries, but I expect them to be healthy on Sunday and I know it will be a difficult match."
