BYU Heads East for Invite

PROVO -- The No. 70 BYU men’s tennis team (3-1) will travel to Virginia this weekend to participate in the Tribe National Indoor Invite hosted by the College of William & Mary. The Cougars will face the No. 64 Tribe Friday and play either Elon University or No. 61 Clemson Saturday.

“In a tournament situation, we create our own destiny,” BYU coach Brad Pearce said.

The Tribe has been busy this season, racking up a 7-2 record less than a month into the season. They are coming off back-to-back wins over Richmond and Longwood last week.

Clemson will face Elon University Friday. The Tigers are 1-1 on the season and will attempt to get back on track after a 7-0 loss to No. 3 Georgia. Elon is 0-1 this year after falling to No. 35 Duke last week.

BYU has an 0-1 all-time record against Clemson and has never played William & Mary or Elon.

“This opportunity was appealing to us because these are good, solid schools we haven’t played before,” Pearce said. “We’re expanding our reach.”

Friday’s matches begin at 8:30 a.m. ET and Saturday’s play starts at 4:30 p.m. Pearce said the time change combined with the early match will test the Cougars.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ll meet it head on and be ready,” Pearce said.

Tribe National Indoor Invite

January 30, 2009

McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center

1. No. 64 William & Mary vs. No. 70 BYU

2. No. 61 Clemson vs. Elon

January 31, 2009

McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center

1. Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2

2. Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2