Feb. 27, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Otahkian Tennis team will travel to Jonesboro, Ark. this weekend to take on the Indians of Arkansas State University. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 but may have to be moved to Sunday if there is poor weather.

The Otahkians are in the early part of their season. They are currently 0-1 after being defeated last weekend by Arkansas-Little Rock. Keeping their heads up, Southeast does not see this point as where they will stay for the season but this is the point from which they will improve.

"Our first match was good for the team," said coach Mike Stevens. "It showed our players how much harder they must work to be competitive with the top school."

Arkansas State is currently 4-3 with recent victories to Northwestern State (6-0) and Louisiana-Lafayette (7-0). Sophomore, Liga Geme is currently ranked 86th nationally in Division I college tennis.

"Arkansas State is another strong team," said Stevens. "They have some good wins this season and have already played seven matches. This will be a good test to see how much we have learned from and improved since last weekend.

The Otahkians will head to Peoria, Ill next week to take on Bradley. The match will begin at 3:00 p.m. Make sure to come cheer on the Otahkians as they are at home for the first time this season at 2 p.m. on March 12.