Men's Tennis Fact Sheet #1

This weekThe Razorbacks open their spring schedule at the Auburn Spring Classic where they will face teams from Virginia Tech, LSU and Auburn. Play begins Friday Jan. 23 and wraps up Sunday Jan. 25 in Auburn, Ala.

Last time outBlake Strode and Matt Hogan qualified for the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships held Nov. 5-7 in Charlottesville, Va. Hogan fell in the first round of the consolation draw to then-No. 18 Dominic Inglot of Virginia. Strode advanced to the quarterfinals of the consolation draw before bowing out to then-No. 108 Michael Shabaz, also of Virginia.

How Cox sees it (The 2009 spring season)“I’m very excited about upcoming season. We have a good, young team this season with only two seniors. The team is excited about reaching its goals of getting back to NCAA tournament after a two year absence and working toward returning to the top 25 in country.”

2009 Spring OutlookThe Razorbacks look to improve upon their No. 50 ITA finish from last spring and work their way up the SEC ranks as well. Behind Blake Strode and Matt Hogan, the Hogs face a difficult spring schedule that includes No. 2 Texas and reigning National Champion Georgia, currently ranked No. 3.

Hogan and Strode crack top 40The Razorbacks enter the spring season ranked No. 46 in the nation and with two singles players ranked in the top 40. Senior Blake Strode (bottom right) is ranked No. 15 heading into spring and is No. 3 in the central region. Sophomore Matt Hogan (top right) made great strides in fall play, jumping from No. 125 to No. 39. Hogan is ranked No. 4 in the central region. In doubles, Hogan and Strode, unranked during fall play, will enter the dual match season at No. 14 and No. 3 in the region.

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