BYU Men's Tennis to Host Invitational

PROVO -- The BYU men's tennis team opens up its season this week as it hosts the BYU Invitational starting Thursday. The Invitational will include players from Boise State, Idaho State, Utah State, Utah and BYU.

The invitational will feature both a singles and doubles main draw with consolation brackets for those who get beat. Each player involved is assured to play at least two matches, and BYU head coach Jim Osborne said playing a lot of matches is the key this early in the season.

"We just want to get in as many matches as possible," Osborne said. "The purpose of this tournament is to let everyone get a feel for how good everyone is playing this early in the fall."

Osborne said his team is especially anxious to get the season underway.

"We have been practicing since the beginning of September and so the guys are getting a little tired of playing one another," he said. "They're all excited to get things going."

Matches will be played on BYU's outdoor courts starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday and running through Saturday. In case of inclement weather, matches will be moved to the indoor courts. Coach Osborne is hoping the fall weather will hold out.

"This is perfect tennis weather," he said. "It's always great to watch and play tennis when all the leaves are changing colors."