Pirates Begin DII Tennis National Championship Defense Wednesday

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - The Armstrong Atlantic State men's and women's tennis teams begin defense of their NCAA Division II tennis titles on Wednesday as they start action at the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's & Women's Tennis Championships at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

The top-ranked Pirate men (26-1) begin play at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, facing No. 40-ranked Queens (16-6), the ECC Champions who are making their first foray into the NCAA's Round of 16. The two teams will be meeting for the first time in program history.

The No. 3-ranked Lady Pirates (24-1) will take the courts at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, taking on No. 18-ranked St. Edward's of Texas (16-6), also making their first appearance in the Round of 16. The Hilltoppers won the Heartland Conference title this season and have won 10 straight matches.

The quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, May 14, with the AASU/Queens winner taking on the winner of Kutztown/Lynn at 9:00 a.m. in men's action. The AASU/St. Edward's winner will face the winner of California (Pa.) and Stonehill at 1:00 p.m. in women's action.

Semifinal action is scheduled for Friday, May 15, at 9:00 a.m. with the men and 1:00 p.m. with the women. The 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship matches will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 9:00 a.m. with the men and 1:00 p.m. with the women.

Rollins College and the Central Florida Sports Commission are serving as hosts for the event. Full information on the tournament can be found at Rollins' tournament website here. And of course, you can follow along with the Pirates and the Lady Pirates on their tournament blog as well!