April 23, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State Tennis team (3-9, 2-5) is ranked seventh heading into the OVC Tournament as released this morning. The tournament will begin on Friday, April 25 in Nashville, Tenn. hosted by Tennessee State. The Otahkians and the Racers match will begin at 1:30 p.m. while other teams have varying playing times.

The Otahkians are ranked seventh out of the nine OVC women's tennis teams although only eight of the teams are eligible to attend the OVC tournament. The Otahkians will be paired with the Murray State Racers, ranked second, in the first round.

"The team is very excited and looking forward to the conference tournament," said coach Mike Stevens. "The improvement in each player's games this year has been tremendous."

The Racers are currently on a five OVC match winning streak. They are ranked second in the OVC. 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 and Tennessee Tech are the top two seeds and the favorites going into the tournament," said Stevens. "But there are several teams that could surprise them. The conference is very balanced and everyone in it has a chance to win it all this weekend and advance to the NCAA tournament."

The OVC Tournament will be April 25-27 in Nashville, Tenn. the matches will begin at 8:30 a.m. everyday.