For the first time since 2001, the LSU men’s tennis team will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Regional Tennis Tournament, which is set to begin May 15.
Also coming to Baton Rouge to take part in the 64-team tournament is the University of Southern, which LSU (17-6, 7-4 Southeastern Conference) will face in the first round. The Tigers have already earned a victory over their cross-town rivals back in January, 6-1.
On the other side of the bracket, No. 14 Rice will face off with South Alabama.
Rice, who was at one time ranked in the Top 10, will feature the No. 1 ranked duo of Richard and William Barker.
Coach Jeff Brown said the team has deserved the home regional.
“I’m excited for our seniors and for our whole team to host the first two rounds,” Brown said. “They have put in a lot of work to have this opportunity.”
With a third-place finish in the SEC, Brown added he is not surprised that the Tigers are hosting the regional.
“I’m happy for the tennis community here to get to see some great tennis,” Brown said. “Having gone through that schedule, it doesn’t really surprise me. Every team was really strong.”
The women’s tennis team did not have the same luck as the men as they will now begin preparations to travel to Austin, Texas, for the first and second rounds of the tournament.
Looking for its first opening-round win since 2000, LSU (18-8, 6-5 SEC) will take on No. 41 Arizona State to begin the tournament.
“Arizona State is a tough first-round draw, for sure,” LSU assistant coach Sandy Sureephong said. “They’ve got some strong players.”
If the Lady Tigers get past ASU, they will take on the winner of the University of Texas – Texas Arlington matchup.
The Lady Tigers’ run to the regionals began on March 26, when LSU won its first of nine in a row by defeating Ole Miss, 4-3.
During LSU’s winning streak, the Lady Tigers managed to jump from No. 62 and have now spent six consecutive weeks ranked in the Top 25.
Matches are set to begin May 14, with the winners concluding the first rounds on May 15.