Feb. 16, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University men's tennis team will begin play in a three-match road swing Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs square off against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Jacksonville, Ala. The in-state matchup will be held at the JSU Tennis Courts.

Samford (3-1) heads into the contest boasting a three-match winning streak. After suffering a season-opening loss to Georgia State on Feb. 6, the Bulldogs have rattled off consecutive victories against Columbus State 4-3, University of New Orleans 6-1 and Gadsden State 7-0.

In Samford's recent win over Gadsden State, the Bulldogs swept all three doubles matches to earn the first point of the contest then reeled off six-consecutive victories in singles play to conclude their 7-0 triumph. During the singles competition, Samford received wins from Scott Foster, Adam Witcher, John Flaniken, Michael Browder, Joe Hunsicker and Mark Lange.

The Bulldogs' Carl Abalos, Zac Dunkle and Oliver Reynolds have all registered 2-1 records in singles play this season. In doubles play this year, Samford's combination of Browder and Hunsicker have compiled an unblemished 2-0 record to lead the team.

Jacksonville State (0-1) will be playing its third match of the 2010 campaign Wednesday. The Gamecocks opened the season with a 7-0 loss to Auburn Montgomery on Feb. 2, and are playing at Mercer on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Following Wednesday's showdown, the Samford University men's tennis team will next be in action at 2 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 26 as the Bulldogs travel north to Nashville, Tenn., for a non-conference matchup against the Belmont Bruins.