JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. The Carson-Newman Eagles will open their 2012 season on Friday afternoon when they host The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.).
The match begins at 2 p.m. at the Carson-Newman Tennis Complex. It is the first of four home matches in a nine-day stretch for the Eagles. C-N will also host Lee University on Saturday at 1 p.m.
After a disappointing South Atlantic Conference season in 2011, the Eagles are looking to rebound in 2012.
Carson-Newman will rely heavily on a core group of veterans led by senior Dusty Davis (Morristown, Tenn.) and juniors Paul Birdsong (Woodstock, Ga.), Derek Holdway (Woodstock, Ga.), and Dalton Moore (Gate City, Va.).
All four upperclassmen will need to step up to improve on the Eagles' 6-15 record from a season ago, which did include a 3-3 finish.
Davis will anchor the singles line up. He has been challenged by freshman Warren McClure (Marietta, Ga.) for the No. 1 singles spot.
Birdsong and Holdway will see plenty of action and are expected to provide leadership.
During the fall season, freshman Eric Mueller (Collierville, Tenn.) played well in singles action. He will be expected to add depth.
Moore (Gate City, VA), along with Duron and fellow freshmen Chris Barron (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Austin Mackay (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) will be battling for playing time as well.
The Eagles open SAC play on March 9 on the road against Anderson (S.C.). They host Brevard on March 14 in their SAC home opener.
-C-N-
