April 16, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn women's tennis team will face off with the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first round of the SEC Tournament, hosted by Auburn University at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.

The Tigers and the Gamecocks will square off at 2 p.m., CT, Thursday on the blue courts, 1-6.

The No. 30 Tigers, who are the eight-seed in the tournament, defeated the No. 31 Gamecocks 4-3 during the regular season. Auburn looks to get its second win over South Carolina.

The winner of Auburn/South Carolina will take on the one-seed Florida at 2 p.m., on Friday.

The Tigers will be counting on team-leaders Fani Chifchieva and Alex Haney as a key to their success. Chichieva, who was named SEC Athlete of the Year, is 21-2, 10-1 SEC in singles action in 2008.

Haney, who is a First Team All-SEC selection, is 18-5, 8-4 SEC in singles. Along with partner Melissa Koning, Haney is 13-3, 8-4 SEC in doubles action. Haney and Koning will be vital to securing the doubles point for Auburn.

Tournament action begins at 10 a.m., on Thursday when Ole Miss and Kentucky square off on courts 1-6, and Alabama and LSU compete on courts 7-12.

Tournament passes are available for $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Daily passes are available for $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors.

Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets because of the terrace seating. Free parking is available at Richland Elementary School, across the street from the tennis center.

Live stats and match updates will be available at www.auburntigers.com.