LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky women?s tennis team opens its 2007 fall slate on Saturday when it travels to Ashland, Ky., to compete in the three-day Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Tennis Classic.

The open-entry event, which takes place at the Bellefonte Tennis Club and Russell High School, is a pre-qualifier for the Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital/Fifth Third Tennis Classic, which is slated for next weekend. The champion and runner-up from this week?s action earn automatic berths to next weekend?s event. The Wildcats are using the Our Lady of Bellefonte Classic as an opportunity to prepare for the prestigious All-American Tournament, which takes place in two weeks in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

?This is great preparation for us as we get ready for the All-American Tournament in two weeks,? UK head coach Carlos Drada said. ?Our kids are eager to play. This team really enjoys the game and is looking forward to the opportunity to compete.?

Complete results and a recap will be available at ukathletics.com.