MONTGOMERY, Ala.| Alabama State opens play in the NCAA First and Second Rounds against seventh-seeded Mississippi State in Starkville (Miss.) Friday afternoon, with the match scheduled for 1 pm.
Alabama State (12-9) claimed their third consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship two weeks ago with a 4-1 victory over Alabama A&M. The Hornets have finished conference play undefeated for three consecutive seasons, and earned their second consecutive bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Hornets are led by senior and SWAC Player of the Year
Ion Efrim, who finished 13-2 in singles play during the regular season.
Alexis Collard (9-3) and
Tomas Fernandez (9-6) each finished with nine wins each on the season, while
Alejo Calvis picked up seven singles victories.
Juan Rodriguez ended the regular season and conference tournament with a 6-5 singles record.
Meanwhile, Mississippi State made the NCAA Tournament for the ninth consecutive season and the 28thh overall appearance by the Bulldogs. As a top-16 national seed for the second consecutive season, Mississippi State has advanced to the Round of 16 on 13 different occasions, and two times in the last three years.
Tulane and South Alabama round out the region, and will face each other at 10 am Friday to begin the day.
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