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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Netters Move Up To Top 10
1/31/2001 | Men's Tennis
Jan. 31, 2001
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss men's tennis team moved up to No. 10 in the latest edition of the ITA WingspanBank.com rankings, released Wednesday. The Rebels will open the 2001 campaign against Arkansas-Little Rock, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Gillom Sports Center.
The first ranking is a team-only ranking. The first individual rankings of the spring will be released Feb. 9.
Ole Miss is one of four SEC teams to be ranked among the nation's top 10 including Tennessee (No. 2), Georgia (No. 4) and Florida (No. 9). A total of six teams from the SEC, arguably the nation's top conference, are among the top 25.
Four of the top six from last year's NCAA tournament team return, including All-American James Shortall and All-SEC performer Alex Hartman. Outstanding veterans Kristofer Stahlberg and Martin Selin are also back along with sophomore Patrick Chucri. Joining them will be newcomers Conor Casey and Paul Ciorascu, two talented players who are expected to make an impact this year for the Rebels. Adding depth to the team are David Blackburn, Jim Jacobs and Mason Cousins.
"With four SEC teams in the top 10, it looks like another great year for the conference," head coach Billy Chadwick said. "I am proud of the team to be recognized among the nation's top 10. Stahlberg, Shortall and Hartman are playing excellent tennis and we will be relying on their experience to build on this ranking."
The Rebels kick off the 2001 season against 52nd-ranked Arkansas-Little Rock, Saturday, and then host Memphis on Feb. 6 at 2:30 p.m., before heading to Jackson, Miss., on Feb. 8 for the annual River Hills Mississippi Cup between Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 15.