Sept. 18, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB women's tennis team hits the court this weekend with a trip to the Stony Brook Classic in Stony Brook, N.Y.

The Blazers open the event Friday with four rounds of doubles and continue play Saturday with two rounds of singles. The tournament concludes Sunday with one-on-one doubles, a relatively new format in which individuals play each other cross-court in the half court.

The tournament marks the beginning of the Blazers' fall schedule.

"We're excited to get the season started," UAB first-year head coach Krissy Hall said. "We've had a great couple weeks of practice, and we're ready to get into match play and see how we stack up."

Hall is inheriting a program that posted a 9-6 record during the 2008 spring season. The Blazers return five players from that squad, including third team All-Conference USA selection Evelien Strijker. In addition, Jenny Cape, Ceylan Engin, Jessica Orton and Giorgia Romeo also return for UAB.

Hall is in her first month with the Blazers after coming to UAB from Wyoming, where she spent the previous three years as the Cowgirls' head coach.

"The transition has been great," Hall said. "I've enjoyed getting to know the girls and having the chance to work with them. I can't wait to see them play in a tournament situation."

In addition to UAB and host Stony Brook, this weekend's tournament also includes Army, Auburn, Long Island, Marist, Southern Miss and Toledo.