DELAND, Fla. – The Hatter women's tennis program will face a combination of Georgia then either Notre Dame or Southern California as part of the ITA National Kick Off Weekend with all matches taking place in Athens, Georgia. All teams earned their spots last season with the Hatters relishing the opportunity provided by this weekend's contests.
"The team is super excited about this opportunity," head coach
Travis Sandlant said "They worked extremely hard to earn this spot last season. We have a majority of returners here for it. Unfortunately, we have one injury, but we showed last week we can still match it with the best. We are super deep and know we can compete with the best."
All four teams were ranked last season with Georgia leading the pack at 12th. USC notched the 20 mark with Notre Dame taking the 48 spot. The Hatters took the number 60 rating in the country. In the early polls Georgia has been ranked as high as #6 in the nation with the Trojans hitting the 13 mark.
Stetson has faced high-end competition as recently as last Saturday. After having to reschedule Friday's match with Mercer, the Hatters faced off with Hillsborough and Central Florida. While Hillsborough may go under the radar, Sandlant praised the team and talent they possess. The Lady Hawks were regional CC contenders winning in doubles. Stetson knocked off HCC, 5-2.
UCF was ranked ITA #23 when the Hatters faced them on Saturday with Stetson coming one point away from knocking off the Knights in Orlando, falling 4-3. Despite the loss, the Hatters put together a good showing on a big stage against the ranked opponent. It was good preparation for both squads as will partake in the ITA National Kick Off, UCF taking part in Auburn's bracket, in Auburn, Alabama.
SU will face off with tournament host Georgia today, with the match starting at 2:30, video link at the top part of this article and on the schedule page. UGA is coming off an SEC runner up and sweet 16 team last year. The only action the host team has seen is a preseason tournament 'Duel in the Desert' hosted by Kansas at Palm Springs, California.
The Fighting Irish have yet to travel outside Indiana this season but have four dominant home wins with two 7-0 wins defeating Michigan State and Xavier, a 6-1 over Butler and a 5-2 in their most recent outing over University of Illinois Chicago.
The Trojans have the same record but have been in more competitive matches. USC opened the season January 19 with 4-0 wins over Loyola Marymount and California State University, Northridge. San Diego battled the Trojans but fell 4-3. San Diego State followed the match and fell 6-1.
While Stetson is guaranteed two matches, the second match will take place Saturday dependent on Friday's results. The consolation match will be played at 11 a.m. with the championship taking place at 2:30 p.m.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF).
Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.
