April 17, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri tennis team (13-7 overall, 2-7 in the Big 12 Conference) will play Texas and Southern Methodist this weekend in a pair of matches at the MU Outdoor Tennis Complex.

*Saturday - 10 a.m. - Missouri vs. Texas
*Sunday - 12 Noon - Missouri vs. Southern Methodist

The match against Texas closes the Big 12 Conference home season.

Recent Action: The Tigers recorded the program's first-ever dual win over Saint Louis, topping the Billikens 6-1 last week (4/12) at the MU Outdoor Tennis Complex.

Opponents: The 11th-ranked Longhorns are 14-7 overall and 8-0 in league play. UT plays 12th-ranked Texas A&M Wednesday. Southern Methodist is 11-7 and plays at Kansas Saturday.

On the Verge: Missouri freshman Cassie Drake (Stillwell, Kan.) has tied the school record for most wins in a season. She has won 21 matches this year.

Head Coach: The Tigers are under the direction of Blake Starkey. Starkey, an 1989 Eastern Kentucky graduate, is in his fourth season at Missouri and has guided Mizzou to two 10-or-more win seasons in the past three years.

Next: Tigers will play in the Big 12 Conference Championships held April 26-29 in Waco, Texas.