Alabama Women's Tennis Up Nine Spots in Rankings
3/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- After coming it at No. 53 just three weeks ago, the University of Alabama women’s tennis teams continued it ascent up the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings, coming in at No. 28 in the latest poll released on Tuesday.
“I’m encouraged because I fell like they recognize our improvement,” Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz said. “We’ve had strong results and I think we’re making it little-by-little, day by day. I generally don’t get too excited about rankings because I think they can sometimes be deceiving, but I’m proud of the team and proud that they are being recognized.”
Alabama’s latest triumph was a dramatic 4-3 win over Michigan, who was ranked 17th and was undefeated at the time. Alabama has won its last four matches, and has been led by sophomores Ashley Bentley and Robin Stephenson, who are both undefeated in Southeastern Conference play.
If the Crimson Tide hopes to break into the Top 25 they must face their biggest challenge of the season, hosting two SEC Eastern division opponents this weekend. Alabama faces No. 30 South Carolina on Friday, and the No. 3 Florida Gators on Sunday. The Gators have won their last 28 matches dating back to last season, and have lost only two points during the entire 2004 season.
