Sept. 27, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women's tennis team continues its fall season as it competes in the 22nd annual Roberta Alison Fall Classic this weekend, Sept. 28-30. The three-day event is hosted by the University of Alabama.

The tournament is a tribute to the legendary Roberta Alison, who in 1963 became the University of Alabama's first female athlete to participate on a men's varsity team. It was the first official more toward opening the door to women's varsity athletics at SEC member institutions.

The flighted tournament, held each fall season, is a showcase of tennis talent from school all over the country and highlighting some of the top tennis powerhouses. This year's tournament features 11 teams (Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Iowa, Florida State, Auburn Montgomery, UNC Greensboro, UNC Charlotte, Samford, Belmont and Troy). For players with current FILA/ITA singles ranking will compete as well as two ranked doubles teams.

The Robert Alison Fall Classic is the second competition slated for the Bulldogs in the fall. Samford returns only two players from last season's roster. Seniors Anna Jackson and Katie McMiller bring experience to this year's squad while they welcome four freshmen to the roster in Lindsay Mallory, Taylor Morgan, Lindsey Reinenback, and Rebecca Kirven.

The tournament begins Friday and runs through Sunday at the UA Tennis Complex. Matches will begin at 9 a.m., on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m., on Sunday. Admission is free. Tournament information and complete results can be found at www.rolltide.com. A recap of the Bulldogs' action will be available on www.samfordsports.com.