Women's Tennis Hosts 22nd Annual Roberta Alison Fall Classic
9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 25, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The women's tennis team is set to host the 22nd annual Roberta Alison Fall Classic Sept. 26-28 at the Alabama Tennis Stadium and Student Recreation Courts. A total of 11 teams will compete in the three-day event.
"We are looking forward to hosting a first-class event this weekend with our annual Roberta Alison Fall Classic," said head coach Jenny Mainz. "It's always nice to play at home and showcase our new team. We have been working hard to improve this fall. We have really taken steps forward with our doubles play and are seeking to play aggressive doubles this weekend. Our objectives are to build on our momentum from Milwaukee and gain more match play. We are focusing on being consistent with everything we do. This will be a great opportunity to display consistency throughout the tournament."
In 1963, Roberta Alison became the first female tennis player at Alabama when she joined the men's tennis team. During her tenure, Alison gained recognition not only because she was the only female on an all men's squad, but also because she had great success in the men's league. Alison moved up the lineup and eventually played at the No. 1 spot her senior year. A two-time women's collegiate singles champion and the 1963 women's collegiate doubles champion, Alison paved the way for women's tennis at both the local and national level.
This season's tournament will feature players from Alabama, Auburn-Montgomery, Georgia State, Kentucky, Memphis, Mississippi State, Murray State, Samford, Tennessee Tech, Tulane and UNC Charlotte. Among the participants, three are currently ranked in the ITA's preseason singles list.
Representing the Tide will be senior Shelley Godwin, juniors Bianca Svensson and Alice Tunaru, sophomore Meritt Emery and freshmen Taylor Lindsey and Courtney McLane. Godwin, Emery and Lindsey each netted two singles wins in Alabama's opening weekend at the Milwaukee Fall Classic. Svensson and Lindsey also collected two wins together in doubles play.
The three-day event will kick off Friday at 9:00 a.m. (CST) with doubles. An additional round of doubles and opening round of singles will be played on the first day. Saturday will also begin at 9:00 a.m. (CST) and will feature one round of doubles and one round of singles. Play could potentially start at 8:00 a.m. (CST) Sunday where the tournament will conclude with the final round of singles. Flights will consist of eight players in singles and eight pairs in doubles.
All matches will take place at the Alabama Tennis Stadium and the Student Recreation Courts located next to the Alabama Softball Stadium In case of inclement weather, action will move inside to the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, which is adjacent to Coleman Coliseum. Results will be updated throughout the day and can be found on www.rolltide.com.
Players Mentioned
