March 7, 2002

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky men’s tennis team jumped another two spots in the polls on Thursday, March 7, as it improved to No. 7 in the latest rankings. The Cats are 9-3 in dual match play with all three losses coming at the hands of top-five opponents. It is the highest ranking the Cats have received since the final poll of 1997 when UK finished at No. 5.

The Wildcats were able to ascend the rankings with an impressive weekend that saw UK defeat 12th-ranked Tennessee in its Southeastern Conference opener and then lose a closely contested match to the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga.

“This ranking is the result of a total team effort,” Coach Dennis Emery said. “We have one person ranked in the Top 25 individually and no doubles teams ranked. What we do have is great chemistry and the desire to compete as a team.”

The Cats will look to continue their stellar play on Friday, March 8, when they play host to the 11th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels in a pivotal SEC matchup. Action begins at 2 p.m. at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center on the UK campus.