Junior Seth Bullington prepares to return the ball back across the net to his opponent. Bullington played the number five seed most of the season where he compiled a record of 10 wins and five losses. The 2000-2001 men's tennis team had a productive year, finishing with an impressive 15-9 record. The team ranked in the top 20 in the south region and ranked among the top 25 in the United States. The team faced many tough Gulf South Conference opponents, as well as non-conference teams such as Delta State, Springfield and Oklahoma Christian, which was ranked third in the nation. "The team was very unified," coach David Elliott said. "Thesenior leadership was the best I have seen in years." "I have enjoyed playing under coach Elliott," senior Seth Bullington said. "The team worked hard, and it showed." Despite all of the heavy competition, the Bisons finished in the top half of the conference. "The South Region was the most fierce division of the NCAA to compete in this year, due to the competition from the surrounding schools," Elliott said. The highlight of the team's year was the opportunity to represent Harding in the NCAA national tournament in Valdosta, Ga. "I am looking forward to the future of this team and the upcoming season of competition," Elliott said. "We will have many new players, but a few of our strong players will still remain." Elliott recruited a few new 254 athletics players for the spring 2002 team. "The team is strong and ready to play the best we can for Harding University," said junior Jacobo Martinez. Elliott welcomed back only a handful of returning players and depended on them to provide leadership to the new players on the team. Among the players returning for fall 2001 were Martinez and Artur Sikora. Elliott expected these players to contribute to the success of next season's team. -Jerad Nunnally Freshman Rodrigo Cervantes stretches out to serve the ball. Cervantes used his strong serve to defeat his opponent from Hendrix to win his first match as a Bison.
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