Jan. 25, 2002

The University of Memphis men's tennis team opens its spring season on Friday playing UT-Martin at Vanderbilt. The Tigers, ranked 74th in the pre-season in Division I, play 30th-ranked Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville.

The pre-season ranking is the first ever for a Memphis men's tennis team.

"We're excited about the start of the season," said head coach Phil Chamberlain, beginning his 4th season at the helm of the Tiger program. "We're hitting the ball real well right now and we have some depth."

The lineup will change from match to match, according to Chamberlain, due to that depth. Against UT-Martin, the Tigers will go with Richard Magney at #1 singles followed in order by Joe Schmulian, Ben Stapp, Lee Taylor Walker, Alex Bucewicz and Michael LaHaie.

In doubles, the Tigers will start at number one with Walker and Stapp. Schmulian will team with Michael Chamberlain at number two followed by LeHaie and Bucewicz.

Memphis plays its first four matches on the road including a February 3 match with 4th-ranked Tennessee