Marshall University Athletics
Tennis Releases 2004-05 Schedule
8/25/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Tennis Releases 2004-05 Schedule
8/25/2004
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University head tennis coach John Mercer announced the release of the 2004-05 Thundering Herd tennis schedule that features seven teams ranked in the final ITA Top 75 from 2004.
The Herd will play in fall tournaments at Williams and Mary (Sept. 24-26), Kentucky (Oct. 1-3) and Georgia Tech (Nov. 5-7) to begin preparation for a full schedule of action in 2005.
Highlighting the Thundering Herd's spring schedule will be non-conference bouts with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to open the season January 22 at home. Also on the 2005 home non-conference slate are, Louisville, North Carolina State, Virginia (No. 63), South Alabama (No. 52), Middle Tennessee State (No. 64) and Penn State.
"This is by far the strongest home schedule we've ever had," Mercer said. "We're really excited about our schedule and the challenges that it presents us with this year."
Non-conference road matches include battles with Kentucky (No. 16), Richmond, William and Mary (No. 35), Virginia Tech and a spring break trip to southern California to take on Washington State (No. 65) and San Diego (No. 53).
The three-time defending Mid-American Conference champion Thundering Herd begins its quest for a
fourth straight title when it begins MAC play March 25 at Northern Illinois. At home in MAC play will be matches with Miami, Akron, Buffalo, Bowling Green and Ball State. The MAC tournament begins April 28 at Toledo.
"We're hoping for another good year and hopefully the chance to go out on top with a fourth straight MAC championship before we go to Conference USA," Mercer said. "I know the girls are ready to work hard and ready to start playing again."
The Herd ended the 2004 season with a record of 22-5, the best mark in school history. Marshall's final ranking of No. 55 in the ITA poll was also its highest in school history. Marshall has made three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
For a complete list of dates for the 2004-05 schedule, checkout http://www.herdzone.com/sports/wtennis/schedule