Sept. 15, 2016

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock women’s tennis team will kick-off the 2016-17 season when they host the South Carolina Fall Invitational this weekend, Sept. 16-18, at the Carolina Tennis Center. Six Gamecocks are set to compete against a field consisting of North Florida, Middle Tennessee and Winthrop.

“I’d like to see some consistency, work ethic and intensity this weekend,” said head coach Kevin Epley. “These are the foundations for everything — we’re going to outwork people and keep the ball in the court.”

Despite a youthful roster a season ago, Carolina was able to capture its 22nd-straight NCAA Tournament berth, its fourth under Epley. However, for now, the focus is on using this time as an opportunity to fine-tune their game.

“Individually, we’re getting to know the younger ones,” said Epley. “We’re creating developmental plans and we’ll use this weekend to further those as well.”

Two of the three opponents headed to Columbia this weekend were also NCAA Tournament teams last season. North Florida fell in the first round to Georgia, 4-0, while Winthrop suffered a 4-2 loss to the Gamecocks.

Weekend Schedule
Friday
9 a.m. — Doubles: South Carolina vs. Middle Tennessee | North Florida vs. Winthrop
10:30 a.m. — Singles: South Carolina vs. North Florida | Winthrop vs. Middle Tennessee
1 p.m. — Doubles: South Carolina vs. North Florida | Winthrop vs. Middle Tennessee

Saturday
9 a.m. — Doubles: South Carolina vs. Winthrop | North Florida vs. Middle Tennessee
10:30 a.m. — Singles: South Carolina vs. Winthrop | North Florida vs. Winthrop
1 p.m. — Doubles: South Carolina vs. Middle Tennessee | North Florida vs. Winthrop

Sunday
9 a.m. — Singles: South Carolina vs. Winthrop | North Florida vs. Middle Tennessee

Admission for the weekend is free. For updates, be sure to follow the team on Twitter (@GamecockWTennis) and stay tuned to GamecocksOnline.com.