NEW ORLEANS, La. | The Alabama State tennis programs open defense of their Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships won over the last two years at the Pepsi Tennis Center Saturday.

On the women's side, Alabama State finished the regular season undefeated and will open play in the conference semifinals Saturday against either Jackson State or Southern, as the two teams meet in the opening round Friday. This season, Alabama State defeated both teams in Baton Rouge (La.) on back-to-back days by identical 4-0 scores.

The Lady Hornets defeated Southern with four singles victories to open conference play in the 2019 season, winning three of the four in straight sets. Meanwhile, they defeated Jackson State with four singles victories, winning all four matches in straight sets.

On the men's side, Alabama State finished the regular season undefeated and will open play in the conference tournament semifinals against the winner of the Prairie View A&M and UAPB match set for Friday. The Hornets faced both, defeating Prairie View A&M 4-0 and UAPB 4-1 earlier this season, including facing the Golden Lions on the road.

Against Prairie View A&M, the Hornets swept the doubles play and won three singles matches all in straight sets. However, the other three singles matches were all forced into three sets and were unfinished. The Hornets defeated UAPB on the road in their last conference match after claiming the doubles match, and winning three singles matches – including a forfeit at number six.

The conference tournament begins Friday and concludes Sunday with the championship matches, with the winners earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University tennis, 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.