April 15, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Tennis team (3-8, 2-4) will honor three seniors at their last home match of the season Thursday, April 17. The Otahkians will be playing host to the Murray State Racers (8-9, 5-1) at 2 p.m. at the Southeast Tennis Courts.

This match will be the Otahkians last home match as well as their last match before heading to the OVC Tournament. The Otahkians will honor three seniors including Andrea Aldana, Adrienne Bland, and Amanda Walker. Walker joined the team in 1999 while Aldana and Bland came in 2000.

"All three seniors have worked hard this year," said coach Mike Stevens. "Andrea is such a fighter on the court. She has played #1 singles the last two matches and has played some great tennis. Amanda has contributed at the #5 and #6 singles and #3 doubles and has played very well. They will both be missed after this season. We hope Adrienne will be back next year after having to redshirt this year. She has been a great captain and will have a great year next year."

The Otahkians have won two OVC matches this season one against Austin Peay and one against Tennessee State. It has been since 1998 that the Southeast Tennis team has won at least two OVC matches. The Otahkians are currently ranked seventh in the OVC ranking, as released today. Freshman Cristina Garcia is in the top five in the No. 4 singles play.

The Racers are currently on a four OVC match winning streak. They are ranked second in the OVC behind Tennessee Tech. The Racers have players ranked in the top five of all seeds except three. Connie Keasling is in her 14th season coaching the racers.

"Murray State has a great team," said Stevens. They have been to the NCAA's many times and are the defending OVC tournament champions. Coach Keasling does a great job there and this will be a very difficult match."

The OVC Tournament will be April 25-27 in Nashville, Tenn. with the time to be announced.