Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders Open Play at Blue Gray National Tennis Classic
February 23, 2012 | Men's Tennis
Rafael Garcia is one of three seniors looking to lead Texas Tech this weekend.
Feb. 23, 2012
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - No. 23 Texas Tech will open play at the prestigious Blue Gray National Tennis Classic on Friday against No. 49 Alabama at 1:30 p.m. at Lagoon Park.
"We have the opportunity to play three tough Southeastern Conference teams in one of the nation's premier tournaments," said Red Raider head coach Tim Siegel. "The draw is a little different than in year's past, because it is round robin play, but if we stay focused, I think we can have some success."
Texas Tech opens with Alabama (3-3) on Friday and will face No. 21 Tennessee (4-6) at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The Red Raiders close out the tournament against No. 15 Mississippi State (6-2) on Sunday.
The Red Raiders are led by seniors in Raony Carvalho, Gonzalo Escobar and Rafael Garcia. The trio have been a part of three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament for the Texas Tech.
"We need Raony, Gonzalo and Rafael to solidify the top of our lineup if we are going to have the kind of showing we are capable of having," added Siegel. "If we can get strong doubles play and have some success at the top of our lineup, then we have the opportunity to have a good weekend."
Texas Tech won the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic in 2010, when Carvalho was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
