Alabama Women?s Tennis: SEC Western Division Champions
4/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA ?? For the second time in the last four seasons, the SEC Western Division crown for women’s tennis belongs to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama clinched the title this past Saturday with a 6-1 win over Auburn after LSU upset Arkansas earlier in the day.
Led by five seniors, three of which are from the state of Alabama, the divisional title is just one more accolade to add to a growing list of accomplishments that makes the 2006 senior class the most decorated in Alabama history.
“This veteran team is very deserving of earning the SEC Western Division title,” head coach Jenny Mainz said. “We have five seniors who won the SEC West their freshman year and aspired to finish their careers at Alabama on claiming the West again.”
Alabama began the season ranked No. 37 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and was picked to finish third in the West. However, the Tide posted a 4-1 record against divisional opponents and moved as high as No. 26 in the ITA rankings. The Tide also claimed six wins over nationally ranked opponents, four of which were decided by the final match.
“It is gratifying to see this team rise to the challenge,” Mainz said. “Experience played a considerable role in many of our matches this season. We captured four 4-3 wins. This team is to be commended for their ability to fight their way through tough matches. I’m proud of this group for staying the course and realizing one of their team goals.”
Along the way, both Robin Stephenson and Ashley Bentley have broken the school record for most career singles wins. Entering this week’s SEC Tournament, both sit atop the school’s all-time wins list with 91. Junior Mari Muller needs just one win to become the 23rd member of the school’s “21 Club”, dedicated to those who win at least 21 matches in a single season.
Alabama will begin play in the first round of the SEC Tournament Thursday afternoon in Gainesville, Fla. The Tide will take on Mississippi State at 1 p.m. CT.
