The defending Missouri Valley Conference champion Illinois State womens tennis team opens its fall season with the Missouri Tiger Invite this weekend at Columbia, Mo.
The tournament, also featuring SW Missouri State and host University of Missouri, will be conducted as a round-robin.
This is a throw together tournament after last weeks cancellations, said 2001 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year Chris Hoover, Were excited to begin the action. Were ready to play some matches and see where were at this year.
Though the squad this fall has five of last years seven valley championship team members returning, one thing it does not have is seniors.
This years roster includes three returning juniors, Alesia Mikalayeva, Alana Hoffman, and Shelby Lipson; two sophomores, Elizabeth Bingier, and Liina Suurvarik; and two freshmen, Tatyana Ugorich, and Kansas high school state champion Laura Gravino.
The Missouri Tiger Invite gets underway at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at the Missouri Outdoor Courts and runs through Sunday.
