THREE MATCHES IN THREE DAYS HIGHLIGHT OPENING WEEKEND FOR WOMEN’S TENNIS

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RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women's tennis team will be put to the test this weekend as the Highlanders are set to face Charlotte, Davidson and Marshall in consecutive days beginning Friday in Davidson, N.C.

Friday's neutral site clash with the 49ers is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Davidson's Knobloch Tennis Center. RU returns to the Wildcats' facility Saturday to battle Davidson at 10 a.m. Following the completion of that match, the Highlanders will head to Huntington, W.Va. to square off with the Thundering Herd at 11 a.m. Sunday.

SEASON OUTLOOK
Radford has no seniors and only three upperclassmen on this season's roster. Add into the fold three newcomers and the Highlanders have in all likelihood the youngest group in the Big South.

In addition, Radford named former men's tennis standout Martin Sayer as its new head coach in August. However, do not let the youthful first-year head coach fool you. In his four years donning the Red and White, Sayer became the all-time winningest player in Radford tennis history. The four-time Big South Men's Tennis Player of the Year compiled a 114-25 record at the No. 1 singles position. He was selected to the NCAA singles championship draw each of his four years, reaching the round of 32 twice.

Sayer took over a group that finished 7-16 overall and 3-6 in Big South competition. The squad was picked seventh in the Big South's preseason poll, which was voted upon by the league's 10 head coaches. Taylor Newman, Gemma Valls and Meg Napolitano headline the returning group. The junior trio combined for 41 wins last season.

Sophomore Grace Sarver and freshmen Gisela Garcia and Sara Andrade will most likely round out the singles lineup for this weekend.

In doubles, Newman and Valls will continue their partnership, which went 2-3 in the fall, at the top flight. The most successful duo during tournament play was Napolitano and Sarver. After going 4-2 in the fall, they will compete in the second slot. Garcia and sophomore Taylor Fay are expected to play at No. 3.

SCOUTING THE 49ERS
Like Radford, Charlotte has yet to play a dual match this year. The 49ers graduated five of their 10 players from a season ago. They ended their season in the Atlantic 10 tournament quarterfinals. Charlotte returned to Conference USA over the summer.

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Davidson has already played three matches this year. Despite their 0-2 record, the Wildcats have played two strong opponents in nationally-ranked Virginia Tech (L, 1-6) and College of Charleston (L, 1-6). Elaina Cummer and Elise Held are both 1-1 on the season at No. 2 and No. 6 singles, respectively. Davidson defeated RU, 6-1, last year. Valls recorded the lone win for the Highlanders.

SCOUTING THE THUNDERING HERD
Marshall competed in the UVa Winter Invite last weekend, which included players from nationally-ranked squads Virginia, Tennessee, Utah and VCU. Seven players make up the Thundering Herd roster. Of those seven, four are freshmen, including two who became eligible this month. Marshall opens its dual season Saturday against Morehead State before hosting RU Sunday.

UP NEXT
Radford returns to action Feb. 16 when it takes on Navy in Annapolis Md. First serve is set for 10 a.m.

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