By Andy Dawson, Samford Athletic Communications
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- When the Bulldogs take the court at 3 p.m. (CDT) today, not only will they be playing against UNCG, but they will also be playing to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. This will be the first time that the Samford tennis program has partnered with a non-profit to help raise awareness.
In an effort to raise awareness and gain public relations experience, Samford student Kristen Shircliff has organized the event along with the help of the Alabama-Mississippi chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis society.
The topic of MS hits close to home for Shircliff, as her uncle has been diagnosed with this disease. The goal for Shircliff is to raise awareness for the disease and support for the Walk MS: Birmingham on April 11. Shircliff hopes to unite students and the Samford community together for this cause.
Samford's tennis team is thrilled and honored to be part of such a special event. Friday's match holds importance for the Bulldogs on multiple fronts. Not only will it be the first time that the team has partnered with a non-profit, but it will also open the Southern Conference schedule for them.
"It's a privilege and honor for us to play for this cause," said junior
Fares Kilani. "Games against UNCG have been always 4-3 for the last few years, so I hope we get on them early this year to make it easier for us and win our first conference game."
In the last match between Samford and UNCG, the Bulldogs came out on top with a 4-3 win. A win to open the season is critical, as both teams finished last year in the top-five of the SoCon.
With last year's conference champions leaving, the SoCon will be wide open this year. This makes every conference match much more important.
Heading into this season,
Henry Moore is excited about the team's chances in the conference, but more importantly, he is excited about the opportunity the team has to help make a difference.
"Being able to play for a great cause like MS, is one of the many honors we have as student athletes," said Moore. "To compete for something bigger than us and to see the surrounding community come out to support both men's tennis and MS, is very humbling."
Last year, the Bulldogs dropped their first two SoCon matches to Appalachian State and Elon, which are no longer in the SoCon. Opening at home and against a UNCG team who Samford has historically played well against could propel the Bulldogs into a great spot atop the conference standings.
The effort to raise awareness and support for MS will continue for the women's match on March 28. Shircliff hopes to have representatives from Alabama-Mississippi chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at both the men and women's matches.
The men's match will be held at the Samford Tennis Center today 3 p.m. (CDT). There will be an informational table set up, and a place to give donations, all of which will go directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
