May 8, 2007

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - For the 21st consecutive season, the top-ranked West Florida's men's tennis team is among the final 16 teams remaining. On Wednesday, West Florida will open play in the Round of 16 at the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis Championships at Sanlando Park.

West Florida (23-3) will face 20th ranked Abilene Christian (24-9) at 10:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday. After losing in the Gulf South Conference Championship match on Apr. 22, the Argonauts rebounded with two wins last weekend in region tournament action. West Florida defeated Alabama-Huntsville (5-0) and Delta State (5-1) to reach the Round of 16. Since their loss to Mississippi on Mar. 17, West Florida is 11-1, including three wins over top 10 opponents. Last season West Florida advanced to the national semifinals before suffering a 5-3 loss to Lynn.

Abilene Christian (24-9) advanced to their first Round of 16 since 2004 with a 5-1 win over Cameron last week. Abilene Christian has won five of their last six matches, including a pair of victories to claim the Lone Star Conference title. Of Abilene Christian's nine losses this season, only one has come against a Division II opponent. Aside from their 6-3 loss to Incarnate Word, the Wildcats eight other losses have been against Division I competition.

West Florida and Abilene Christian have only met once previously. Last season West Florida won a 6-3 match in Austin, Texas. The winner of Wednesday's match will meet the winner of the Concordia (N.Y.)/South Carolina-Upstate match in Thursday's quarterfinals.

Follow the match will the "live stats" link on the men's tennis page of www.goargos.com.