University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Women's Tennis Set for 2019 Opening Weekend
1/24/2019 4:23:00 PM | Women's Tennis
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss Women's Tennis team kicks off its 2019 season on Friday afternoon at the Southern Miss Tennis Facility. The Golden Eagles will match up with Florida A&M at 2 p.m., followed by a Saturday showdown against Jackson State at 10. a.m. On Sunday, the team will hit the road for a 2 p.m. match at Alcorn State, marking its first road match of the season.
Scouting Florida A&M
The Rattlers return all eight members from a 2018 squad that was the No. 1 seed of the Southern Division at the MEAC Tournament. FAMU is paced by Mialiniaina Rakotondrazafy, a 2018 MEAC All-Conference selection. The Rattlers received 10 first-place votes, which puts them as the favorite to win the MEAC Southern Division this season. Last season, the Golden Eagles made quick work of the Rattlers en route to a 7-0 win.
Scouting Jackson State
A season ago, the Golden Eagles defeated the Tigers on two occasions. Southern Miss knocked off Jackson State 4-3 early in the season, then swept the Tigers in early April via a 4-0 score. However, Jackson State is without SWAC Player of the Year Tyler Smith. Instead, the Tigers return All-SWAC performer Lucia Solis, a trio of upperclassmen and two freshmen.
Scouting Alcorn State
Just a few months removed from making a run to the SWAC Championship match, Alcorn State brings back a roster stocked with upperclassmen. However, the Braves lost Marlene Maier, an All-SWAC performer. Last time the Golden Eagles faced off with the Braves, Rikeetha Pereira and Tjasa Jerse dominated in singles play.
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Coach Steve Schram sets out on his inaugural campaign with five returners. Joining the Golden Eagles in the fall were freshmen Monique Burton and Ebru Zeynep Yazgan, to go along with West Alabama transfer Katia de la Garza. With a duo of seniors leading the way, Pereira and Jerse look to build upon last years 18-6 record. Combined, the Golden Eagles return 54 singles wins from last season.
Weekend Slate
Friday: vs. FAMU - 2 p.m.
Saturday: vs. Jackson State - 10 a.m.
Sunday: at Alcorn State - 2 p.m.
Follow @SouthernMissWTN for updates throughout the weekend.
Players Mentioned
