Sept. 16, 2005

Columbia, Mo. - The Missouri women's tennis team opens the fall portion of its schedule today at 1 p.m. (CT) in the Mizzou Three-Way tennis tournament held in the Green Tennis Center on the University of Missouri campus. A three-day event, which includes teams from Illinois State and Saint. Louis University, will continue Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. (CT). All money collected from the entry fees of teams and donations made by fans will be given to the Red Cross and designated for the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.

The tournament consists of four draws made up of six players each and one doubles draw. Play will be round-robin throughout the weekend.

Last season, the Tiger's finished second in the Big 12 North behind Nebraska, earning a season high ranking (No. 38) in February, following wins over Colorado and Ohio State. The Tigers collected several national wins throughout the year and finished ranked No. 62 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Rankings (ITA). This feat marked the fifth consecutive year in which the Tigers closed out their campaign ranked in ITA top-75. There are over 300 collegiate women's teams nationally.

After graduating several key players last year, the Tiger's are anxious to get the 2005-06 campaign underway and excited to host the season-opening event.

"We've been practicing hard," Head Coach Blake Starkey said. "I think at this point, all of the girls are looking forward to getting out there and finally playing people other than teammates."

Following this weekend's competition, the Tigers will host the Mizzou Mock Duals beginning Friday, Sept. 23. Teams from Arkansas, Kansas State and Iowa State will also be in attendance.