AUBURN, Ala. – No. 8 Auburn is set to host rival Alabama in the Southeastern Conference opener on Sunday at noon CT in the annual All-Auburn All-Orange match. In the latest ITA team rankings announced on Tuesday, the Tigers remained in the top 10 at 9th while the Crimson Tide were placed just outside the top 60 at 61st.
Auburn will enter the conference slate riding a five game winning streak and a 10-2 overall record. The Tigers also have an impressive 6-1 record in home matches so far this season.
Junior Carolyn Ansari will look to continue her winning ways into conference play on the singles courts, as she has claimed eight consecutive singles victories which improved her singles ranking to 48th in the country. Freshman DJ Bennett has also had a lot of success in singles play as of late, as she has recorded wins in five straight matches in the number four spot.
In doubles, the Tiger duo of Adeline Flach and Angella Okutoyi have claimed five consecutive wins playing in the number two spot.
Alabama enters Sunday's match, which will also serve as their conference opener, with a 7-3 overall record and as the winner of two straight matches.
Crimson Tide sophomore Loudmilla Bencheikh, who typically plays in the top spot in singles, holds an impressive 16-7 record on the singles court this season and a 7-3 record in dual singles matches. Graduate student Ola Pitak has claimed five consecutive victories for Alabama and also has a7-3 dual match record this season. Pitak is also a perfect 6-0 on the doubles court with two different doubles partners.
The Iron Bowl of tennis is set to begin at noon CT at the Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, Alabama. All fans in attendance will receive a complimentary All-Auburn All-Orange t-shirt, an orange shaker, and an Auburn Tennis rally towel while supplies last. Live video and live stats of the match will be available on AuburnTigers.com.
