JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman's tennis teams will receive action slightly sooner than expected as the Eagles have moved their Saturday, Sept. 10th, to Sept. 9th at 5:00 P.M. due to expected inclement weather Saturday morning.
First-year head coach David Blank will take the reins from Jim Franklin, who retired after serving as the tennis head coach for four years. Blank is no stranger to Carson-Newman, as he played for the Eagles from 2000-2004, finishing with a record of 32-14.
"It's been a dream come true," coach Blank said, "I got to play under Dr. Gene Love, and she was why I wanted to get into coaching. I had always wanted to help out."
The Eagles will travel to Harrogate, Tenn., to kick off the season at the Lincoln Memorial Invitational. Last season, the Eagles began the fall season strong, notching a 14-3 record at the Wingate Invitational.
"We started strong last year, and I know we'll be fine this weekend," coach Blank said, "we've had three weeks of solid practice, and we've battled through some adversity, but it's going to make us more resilient. I'm very excited because I know, based on what I've seen, that they're ready to show what we're capable of. "
Last season the Eagles dominated against the Railsplitters, which marked their first victory against Lincoln Memorial since the 2009 season. The Eagles finished the meet with a 6-0 record in singles action and a 3-0 record in doubles play.
Carson-Newman will look to build momentum from last year when the Eagles' men's team finished the season 38th in the ITA rankings, with Freshman Marnix Van Dalen finishing 54th in the ITA singles ranking.
The women's team ended the season ranked 22nd in the ITA rankings but was ranked as high as 15th. Ana Carla Resende finished the season ranked within the top 25. Resende and Summer Reeves were the 42nd ranked doubles pairing nationally.
"I think the reason that they are at the top of the lineup is the consistency," coach Blank said, "They love to work. They embrace the grind, which is something I enjoyed when I played. A lot of kids like winning, but very few like the grind. Marnix and Ana Carla are two very special kids, and I'm glad they're on our side."
Check out CNEagles.com Friday night for updates on Carson-Newman's tennis teams.
