State Opens SEC Road Play At Auburn, At Alabama
The Bulldogs, 3-5, are coming off two losses to open SEC play last weekend against South Carolina and Florida. State is currently led by 42nd-ranked Ivan Bjelica and 91st-ranked Philippe Frayssinoux. Bjelica is 16-10 this season while Frayssinoux is 16-9. Also helping the Bulldog cause so far this spring is sophomore Ryan Farlow who is 5-1 in dual match play.
Auburn, 7-2 this season after splitting a pair of matches last weekend to open SEC play. The Tigers are currently led by senior Robert Lathouwers who is ranked 73rd and has a 9-0 record this season. Friday's match will be the 36th in the all time series. Auburn currently holds a slight 18-17 advantage dating back to 1973. Last season, Auburn defeated State in Starkville by a 6-1 margin.
Alabama has an 8-2 record this season and is 1-1 in SEC play. The Tide is led by senior and 84th-ranked Joseph Jung. Jung is 13-12 this season and is 4-6 in dual matches. Leading UA in doubles is 27th-ranked Dan Buikema and Mathieu Thibaudeau. The duo has an 18-5 record this season and is 8-2 in dual matches. Sunday's meeting will be the 46th between the two programs with State holding a 25-20 lead. Last season, the Bulldogs defeated UA 4-3 in Starkville.