Jan. 21, 2010

The men's and women's tennis teams will open their 2010 spring season this weekend at the annual VCU 4+1 Tournament held at the Thalhimer Tennis Center in Richmond, Va. The Patriots women's team will play on Friday against host VCU at 2:30 p.m. and against Campbell University at 5 p.m. The Mason men will play on Sunday against VCU at 2 p.m. and Longwood University at 5 p.m.

The Mason women's roster is balanced with six upperclassmen and six underclassmen, including four freshman and four juniors. The team is coming off a perfect 5-0 start from the fall season after winning all four matches at the Towson Tournament and a dual match at Shepherd.

Junior Lindsay Gray has the most experience having played her first two seasons at No. 1 singles and will challenge for one of the top singles spots this season. Freshman Kiersten Pappas recorded a 4-0 record during the fall campaign playing both No. 1 and No 2 singles.

The Patriots men's team is very young with only three returning players. The 10-member squad had seven freshmen and is coming off a fall tournament schedule. Sophomore Jorge Osuna and freshman Kevin McMillen recorded 4-4 fall tournament records.

The Rams are one of the toughest teams the Patriots face this season as both teams begin the spring season ranked in the Top 50 by ITA, the women currently at 43rd and the men's team at 46th.