Dec. 15, 2000

Memphis, Tenn.-- - The University of Memphis women's tennis team moved up in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's regional rankings following a fall season that included tournament titles and three Lady Tigers qualifying for the Southeast Regional.

Memphis was ranked 10th in the Southeast Region in the poll released, Friday, after finishing last season ranked 12th.

The Lady Tigers return two seniors to this year's squad, including No. 1 singles and doubles player, Christina Ladyman. Ladyman captured the tournament title at the University of Memphis/Varsity Pro Shop Tournament this fall and is a three-time second-team all-conference member. She has qualified for the regional in each of her four seasons.

Also returning is senior Betsy Card. Card has been a solid No. 3 singles player and qualified for the regional for the first time in her career in November.

The Southeast Region is led by Duke, followed by Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.

The Lady Tigers open their tennis schedule Feb. 16-17 with three dual matches in Davidson, N.C. They face 2002 C-USA member East Carolina at 10 a.m., Feb. 16th, and Campbell University at 6 p.m. the same day. Eleven of the Lady Tigers' 22 spring matches are against teams that were ranked in the ITA poll.

The HPER tennis facility, where the Lady Tigers play, is currently undergoing renovations. But the cold and rain has slowed the renovations, which includes all new windscreens, blue and gray painted courts and a Tiger logo in front of the bleacher seating. A fundraising drive is also underway to raise money for a canopy to cover the seating areas. All but four courts are being renovated.

Southeast Regional Rankings
1. Duke
2. Wake Forest
3. Vanderbilt
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. North Carolina
8. Clemson
9. Furman
10. Memphis
11. Middle Tennessee State
12. North Carolina State
T-13. Louisville
T-13. Tennessee Tech
15. UT-Martin