Men's Tennis Hosts In-State Double-Header Wednesday
4/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
|
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama men’s tennis squad will play two matches at home, hosting UAB and Birmingham Southern at Tuscaloosa’s Student Rec Courts on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s matches will mark the fourth and fifth against in-state opponents this season. The Crimson Tide hosted Troy State in its regular season opener and faced Jacksonville State and Samford in the ‘Alabama Kickoff!’ preseason exhibition matches.
“We need to come out with a lot of intensity in both matches Wednesday,” Alabama head coach Billy Pate said. “It can be difficult to keep the energy-level up with back-to-back matches, but we know these teams will be fired up and looking to push us.”
Alabama (8-10, 2-6 SEC) will attempt to even its record before hosting in-state rival Auburn on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Coach Pate hopes fans will ‘Ring the Rec’ courts to aide his team.
“To have a good atmosphere and an excited and vocal crowd will definitely be to our advantage,” Pate said. “We want to give Alabama fans a chance to come out and see what should be a great match on Saturday.
“Auburn had a great crowd for our match last year and it really made a difference in the match. We hope to be able to return the favor this year.”
In addition to bleacher seating just outside the fence, there is limited seating and standing room in the center of the six match courts. Fans can also take advantage of the hill on the east side of the courts for viewing play.
Auburn won the last meeting between the schools with a 4-3 victory in Auburn. Alabama lead 3-2 and had a point to win the match but couldn’t convert. Alabama owns a commanding 49-28-1 lead in the overall series.
