MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The LSU men’s tennis team will hit the road again Thursday to compete in the ITA Southeast Regional Championships.
All of the Tigers will be participating in the tournament, with the exception of senior Mark Growcott, who is recovering from a hip injury. Several of LSU’s players will be making their first appearances of the 2005 fall season.
“This is an opportunity for a lot of the guys to get off to a good start,” said LSU head tennis coach Jeff Brown. “For some it’s a chance to earn a spot in the spring lineup and for the others it’s an opportunity to solidify their standing.”
Four players will be involved in action Thursday in the tournament’s qualifying round.
Kevin Dessauer will make his season debut against Juan Garzon of Southern Miss at noon. Meanwhile, teammates Martell Campbell and Jonathan Tragardh will see their first action since the Rice Crowne Plaza Invitational in September.
Eric Deroche, a walk-on, will make his first appearance for LSU against Yuri Pompeu from Murray State at 10:30 a.m.
All winners in the opening round of qualifying will advance to a second round Thursday afternoon to determine who will make the tournament’s main draw on Friday.
The rest of the Tigers will arrive in Memphis on Thursday and begin play in the main draw.