Sept. 8, 2003

The Missouri Tigers announces the release of its 2003-2004 playing schedule. The 41st ranked team in the country, Mizzou's itinerary features the most rigorous competition the Tigers have undertaken in the history of the program.

Of the Tigers' 22 dual matches during the spring season, 15 contests are against teams that finished in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's top-75 last year. In addition, nine of those matches pair Mizzou against teams ranked in the ITA top-40 and three pace the Tigers against teams toted in the nation's top-25.

Not shying away from a challenging fall schedule, the Tigers are scheduled to compete in some of the nation's most challenging autumn tournaments.

"We had fun last year, and will be working towards making the NCAA's again," said MU Coach Blake Starkey. "In order to do that, we have to test ourselves by playing a schedule loaded with opportunities against great competition. We are looking forward to our challenges, and seeing what we are capable of."

The Tigers begin fall competition next weekend as they host Kansas, Illinois State and Murray State in the second-annual Mizzou Four-Way Tournament at the Green Tennis Center. Competition begins Friday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m., and runs through Sunday, September 14. All matches are free to the public.

After their home opener, the Tigers take to the road competing in the All-American Championship in Los Angeles, California, followed by the Indiana Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana.