From Emory University Athletics
The No. 1-ranked Emory University men's tennis program has been selected as one of the 43 teams to participate in the 2016 NCAA Division III Championships. The Eagles will host the opening rounds of play that will be held this Friday through Sunday (May 13-15). It marks the 27th consecutive year that Emory has advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
After receiving a first-round bye, Emory (20-3) begins action on Saturday, battling the winner of Friday's opening-round match between USA South Athletic Conference champion North Carolina Wesleyan (16-7) and Old Dominion Athletic Conference titlist Washington and Lee
(15-8). The victor of the Emory vs. NC Wesleyan/Washington and Lee affair moves into Sunday's regional final to face either No. 12-ranked Trinity University (17-9), the automatic qualifier from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, or No. 36-ranked Sewanee (18-6), who played its win to the postseason after winning the Southern Athletic Association crown. Times for this weekend's action will be announced on Tuesday, May 10.
Over the past 26 years the Eagles have advanced to at least the quarterfinals on 24 occasions. Emory has earned a spot in the national semifinals in 10 of the past 14 seasons has won national crowns in 2003, 2006 and 2012.
Emory is one of five University Athletic Association schools competing in this year's NCAA Tournament, with all five drawing hosting duties for the opening rounds. Conference schools who will be joining the Eagles include Carnegie Mellon, Case Western Reserve University, Washington University and the University of Chicago.
Emory last played the weekend of Apr. 21-23 when it captured the UAA championship. The Eagles bested New York University (8-1) and No. 8 Carnegie Mellon (8-1) in their first two matches before topping seventh-ranked Washington University, 6-3, in the championship clash.