March 28, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State women's tennis team (1-3) will play host to Eastern Kentucky (7-5) on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Austin Peay (1-15) at 2 p.m. on Sunday. This will open up the conference season for the Otahkians.

The Otahkians are currently 1-3. It has been a rough season for the Otahkians as they have had over 50 percent of their matches cancelled due to weather, including their home opener. Saturday is the first time the Otahkians will be able to play at home this season.

"The team is excited and ready to play at our courts this weekend," said coach Mike Stevens. "We have a great facility and it will be nice to play in front of our fans."

The Otahkians will be opening up their Ohio Valley Conference season. Currently, junior Daniela Garcia is placed 4th in No. 1 singles play.

Eastern Kentucky is 7-5 for the season. They currently have five players in the top five spots in OVC singles and the top doubles team in No. 2 doubles and No. 3 doubles play. Rob Oertel is the head coach at Eastern Kentucky.

"Eastern Kentucky was the most improved team in the OVC last year," said Stevens. "They have a very good team so it will be a good test for us."

Austin Peay has won one of 16 matches this season. They currently have a strong doubles team, Tofalla/Wall, which are ranked third in No. 3 doubles in the OVC. Angie McLean coaches the Lady Govs.

"We lost to Austin Peay twice last year by a 4-3 score and both teams have improved this year so it should be another great match up on Sunday," said Stevens.

Next, the Otahkians will travel to St. Louis, Mo. to match up against Saint Louis University. The match will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1.