Oct. 17, 2008

Story courtesy of Graceland Sports Information Office

Mobile, AL-The Yellowjacket tennis team entered this week’s ITA Small College National Tournament with high hopes.  For the first time ever a Graceland tennis player is the #1 seed headed into the tourney.  Remy Caffardo (Romans, France) opened play today in the singles as the favorite to win, he would not disappoint.  Caffardo defeated Esteban Flores of Oklahoma Christian in straight sets 6-2 and 6-2.  Caffardo will move on in the singles tomorrow and will face Fernando Ristow of Bethel College at 9:30 am central time.

Not only does Graceland have a standout singles player at the tourney, but the Jackets are well represented in the doubles division as well.  Remy Caffardo along with partner Thomas Brodbeck (Cerny, France) had two matches in the doubles side of action today.  Caffardo and Brodbeck are also the one seed and defeated Diego Claudino and Renzo Lau of conference rival Lindenwood University this morning 4-4, 6-4 and 6-4.  Currently, the two are facing the #4 seed in the tourney Michale Johnson and Monte Tucker of Auburn University-Montgomery.  Results will be posted upon completion of event.

"Day one was a good showing for both our singles and doubles teams," stated Head Coach Jerry Hampton.  "Remy played really well this morning coasting in two sets.  Tomorrow the stiff competition will continue and he'll have to be ready.  In doubles, both Remy and Thomas played well.  They'll have their second match this afternoon so it should be exciting," concluded Hampton.