Jan. 9, 2010

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's tennis team begins its 2010 dual season next Saturday, January 16 as it hosts UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis in an opening day double header. The Broncos are coming off of a strong fall tournament season and are excited to get the 2010 season underway.

The Bronco's schedule this dual season boasts nine current nationally ranked opponents including No. 24 Arizona, 43 Fresno State, 68 Nebraska, and 73 UNLV. SCU will have the advantage of playing all West Coast Conference contests versus Francisco, Gonzaga, and Saint Mary's at home. After two successive eighth place finishes in the WCC tournament, the Broncos are looking to regain a competitive edge in the conference.

"We have had some time off and are rejuvenated and excited to get the season started," said Bronco head coach Derek Mills. "We are coming off of two tough seasons. This season is time for us to start moving up the conference ladder. We are going take one match at a time with the goal in mind to beat each team we play."

On January 16 the Broncos open the dual season in a double header versus Division III national champion UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis. In 2009 SCU began dual season play versus UC Santa Cruz and grabbed a decisive 6-1 victory. In SCU's previous meeting with UC Davis, the Broncos came out on top, winning 5-2.

"Santa Cruz and Davis are always tough teams for us. UCSC is always strong against Division I opponents, so we know we are going to be in for a fight," said Mills. "Davis has a young team highlighted with a lot of good freshman recruits. Both of these teams give us a good fight every year and we are excited play both of them to kick off the season."

Action begins versus UC Santa Cruz at 9:30 am on January 16. First serve versus UC Davis is set for 12:30 pm. Matches will be played at the Degheri Tennis Center.