Men?s Tennis Hosts LSU and Arkansas in Conference Opener
2/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.-The 20th ranked Alabama men's tennis team hosts a pair of Western division opponents this weekend to kick off the SEC dual match season. The Crimson Tide welcomes No. 18 LSU Friday, Feb. 29, followed by No. 63 Arkansas Sunday, March 2. Both matches are slated to begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be held at the UA Varsity Courts.
"The thing about SEC weekends is you have two matches against national level teams," said Alabama head coach Billy Pate. "Everyone is an NCAA tournament team. But it's crucial we focus on the first one and not look at the weekend as a whole."
Alabama heads into the weekend on a one-match winning streak after defeating No. 56 Indiana at home. The Tide is 4-3 against ranked squads heading into conference play, including matches against three squads in the top 15.
The Crimson Tide will look to carry on its strong doubles play as it heads into the SEC. Alabama has picked up the doubles point in eight out of its ten matches. The top tandem of Daniel Buikema and Mathieu Thibaudeau carry a 10-1 overall record and currently hold a No. 37 national ranking.
LSU, 4-1 overall, heads into the weekend on a three-match winning streak. The Tigers defeated No. 25 Texas A&M last weekend to cap off the preseason schedule. LSU features three ranked individuals. Michael Venus currently holds the NO. 70 national singles ranking and is 4-1 from the top singles position. In doubles, Kevin Dessauer and Jan Zelezny hold down a No. 57 national ranking and heads into the weekend with a 4-3 record.
The Tide trails in the all-time series with LSU 17-32, dating back to 1950.
Arkansas heads into the weekend with a 7-4 overall record and will take on Auburn Friday before meeting the Tide on Sunday. The Razorbacks are 1-4 against ranked squads and feature one ranked individual in Blake Strode. Strode is currently ranked No. 95 in singles and has a 7-4 dual match record.
Alabama holds a one match advantage in the all-time series with Arkansas. The Tide's 5-2 victory over the Razorbacks last season pushed Alabama ahead 10-9.
Live statistics for both matches can be viewed at www.rolltide.com
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