MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion, opens the season against Georgia Southern and Mercer at the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Center.
 
The Lady Hornets, who won their first conference title since 1999 and advanced to the NCAA Regionals, return four players from last year's team that includes a pair of all-tournament performers from the conference tournament.
 
Mirna Curcic and Gabriela Lackova were both named all-tournament following the championship run, as they were paired together in doubles play. Last season, the duo finished the year 9-5 overall, with the majority of their matches taking place at number three doubles in which they finished 8-3. They were also named Second Team All-Conference at the conclusion of the regular season.
 
In singles play last season, Curcic finished 6-7, playing the majority of her matches at number five where she finished 5-4. Meanwhile, Lackova finished the season 11-8 overall and undefeated in five singles matches at number six last season for the Lady Hornets.
 
The Lady Hornets also return Reka Szentes, a Second Team All-Conference selection at number two singles. The junior finished the season 14-4 overall last season in singles play, including going 12-3 at number one singles a season ago – including going 5-1 in conference play. Szentes finished 11-8 overall (at number and two) doubles last season.
 
Marija Blazevic also returns for Alabama State (13-9-1 last season) and finished 6-7 in singles play last season. She finished 4-5 at number six and even at 2-2 at number five last season. She also finished 3-2 in doubles play, where she was teamed with Lackova in those five matches.
 
The Lady Hornets face Georgia Southern Saturday at 11 am, followed by Mercer on Sunday at 12 noon. Admission is free to all home tennis matches.
 
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University tennis, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateTennis (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.