Hampton, VA... The NCAA Tennis Championship Seeding Committee has awarded Hampton University (19-6) men's tennis team a trip to Blacksburg, VA and Virginia Tech to take on 16th seeded Alabama (16-10) in the first round of the national championship on May 14.
"This is exciting. It's great for the athletes, the university and community. We have never faced Alabama, but they are a strong team traditionally and whoever plays them will be in for a battle," said Head Coach Dr. Robert Screen.
Hampton has won two Division-II National Championships (1976 & 1989), but this will be the Pirates' first trip to the NCAAs since moving to Division-I in 1995. If Hampton advances they will take on the winner of the Virginia Commonwealth/Virginia Tech match.
"We have a good draw. Alabama is tough, but the pressure is on them," continued team captain Sr. Greg Newton; "We have nothing to lose, as long as we stay loose and confident, we can play with anyone."
HU Tennis Facts:
*Along with their two National Championships, the Pirates were the national runner up seven times from 1978-1994 (1978,1985, 1987, 1988,1992, 1993, 1994).
*Hampton has won four consecutive conference titles since moving to Division-I and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 1995.
*Head Coach Dr. Robert Screen has won 26 consecutive conference titles (including CIAA play) dating back to 1972.
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