SIU women's tennis to host Saluki Doubles Showdown
09/15/2014 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki women's tennis team is hosting the Salukis Doubles Showdown, a fundraiser tournament, on Sunday Sept. 21.
The fundraiser will help the team pay for a trip fully dedicated to training in March. The event begins at 1 p.m. with a warm-up and clinic put on by the women's tennis team. The Salukis will be stationed on different courts and will focus on various skills, including volleys, serving and ground strokes. The Doubles Showdown begins at 2 p.m., immediately following the clinic.
"Typically in the past this has been a nice fundraiser for us. We've always had a good group," head coach Audra Anderson said. "I think it's really important for us to get to know the tennis community and start having these relationships with people who are also in love with sport."
The event is open to all skill levels, although participants must have some understanding of the rules and scoring of the game. Participants will be randomly partnered with another player in their skill level and will play two sets to six. Following the first set, players will have a brief break and will be paired with a new partner for the second round.
This year, unlike in years past, the SIU women's tennis team will also be playing in the tournament.
"I'm hoping that will attract a higher level of players," Anderson said. " Hopefully they'll know there's a good level and they'll want to come out and play."
The event is open to both students and the general public. The entry fee for students is $20, while non-students must pay $25. Participants do not need to sign up with a doubles partner.
Prizes will provided throughout the fundraiser, including special prizes for champions and a prize court during the clinic. There will also be a silent auction, featuring gift certificates from restaurants and businesses in the community, Saluki apparel and tennis gear. Spectators and participants are able to bid in the auction. Snacks will be provided to participants throughout the day.
Those wishing to participate can register at the event at SIU University Courts at 1 p.m.
"Hopefully we can get some fans that would be willing to come cheer us on when we have home matches, and then we can be a resource to them, whether it's providing a clinic for them in the future or private lessons," Anderson said.