The men's and women's tennis teams will open the 2008 portion of their schedules this weekend against Hartford. The men will take on the Hawks on January 26 at 1pm while the women will match up against the Hawks on January 27 at 10:30 a.m. Both matches will be played at the Glastonbury Racquet Club.

The men's team will look to duplicate is success from one season ago after notching a program-best 13 victories. Fairfield lost just two student-athletes from last year's squad in Jonathan Fernando and Zachary Morrison. Yet, the duo left behind big shoes to fill as they are the program's all-time wins leaders. Head Coach Ed Paige, however, has brought in five talented newcomers that will help fill the void. If the fall is any indication of what the spring may hold, Fairfield should have another successful season.

"As long as we stay fit and work hard, good things should be on the horizon," Paige said.

During the fall season, Fairfield earned a share of its third-straight ECAC Open Championship crown, finishing in a tie for first place with the University of Delaware. The Stags garnered two gold medals along with a silver medal. At the ITA Northeast Regional, Fairfield knocked off 11th-seeded Yale in the doubles competition, marking the first time in recent history that the Stags have upset an Ivy League team. In addition, the Stags opened the year with a doubles title at the Fairfield Doubles Festival.

The women's team will have familiar faces on the court during its spring campaign as all but one student-athlete returns from last year's squad. Youth and injuries were key factors in last year's performance, but with another year of experience under their belts and a healthy team returning to the court, the Stags are ready to make a push for a MAAC title.

To prepare for the push, Paige started off with a tough fall schedule that featured trips to the Hofstra Invitational, the ITA Eastern Championship, and the Pepsi Challenge at Louisiana-Lafayette.

"The competition we have faced on the women's side has been very, very tough, but it will make us better," Paige said.

Having the same seven faces on the court, including wins leaders Paulina Rys and Gabriela Davila, in addition to rookie Alyssa Ruiz, creates a wealth of potential for the latest version of the Stags.