Women's Tennis Hosts 'Play Day' In Montgomery
9/17/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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Just one week from the opening of the fall tennis schedule, the Alabama women’s tennis team will host its second “Play Day” in as many weekends Sunday afternoon at Lagoon Park in Montgomery, Ala.
The “Play Day” will feature a clinic with instruction from Alabama tennis players followed by the first exhibition of the season for the team. It is open to youth ages and will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’re fired up for this event and for the exhibition,” said Alabama head women’s tennis coach Jenny Mainz. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to give back to the community and to those who really support us as well as create interest around the program.”
Alabama has five players on its team from the state of Alabama and two players that are products of the Montgomery tennis system. Junior Ashley Bentley and freshman Hillary Barnes grew up playing tennis in Montgomery and will be returning to their roots for the “Play Day”. Bentley attended Montgomery Academy and was voted Montgomery Advertiser’s 2002 Female Tennis Player of the Year after winning the State Championship in both singles and doubles. Last season Bentley was 21-4 for the Tide and qualified for the NCAA singles and doubles draw. Barnes was a four-time singles State Champion at St. James Academy and hopes to step in and contribute this season as a freshman.
“I’m excited about getting the chance to showcase our players,” said Mainz. “I know it is great to see Hillary and Ashley return home to play and give back to the community.”
Sunday’s “Play Day” will also serve as a tune-up for the Tide. Next weekend Alabama will welcome eight teams to the Capstone for the annual Roberta Alison Fall Classic. The tournament will run from Friday, September 24 to Sunday, September 26 at the Alabama’s new tennis facility.
