Rain Fails to Hamper Success of Johnson C. Smith and Fayetteville State

Charlotte, NC - Though the inclement weather in Charlotte, NC forced the second day of the 2003 CIAA Tennis Championships to move to the Charlotte Indoor Tennis Club, the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith and the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State continued to steadily build upon their first day leads.

Due to the move indoors, and the fewer number of available courts, the tournament's pace slowed significantly. At the close of the second day of competition, several matches had yet to be played, forcing Saturday's line-up to be re-tailored.

On the women's side of things, Fayetteville State continued to have exceptional success, placing a Lady Bronco in Saturday's Championship matches at sixth, fifth, fourth and third singles, with second and first singles championship match pairings yet to be decided.

The Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central mounted a challenge on Friday as they jumped past Virginia State and placed two players in the finals at both sixth and fourth singles.

If Saturday's events continue to transpire in the same fashion as Friday's, the women's championship looks as though it will be a four-team race with FSU, NCCU, Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith all having legitimate chances to capture this year's title.

On the men's side of the brackets, Johnson C. Smith looks to be in control of their own destiny as they have placed team members in the finals of the sixth, fifth, fourth and third singles matches. Championship matches of first and second singles will be determined on Saturday.

Shaw University looks to be the Golden Bulls' most serious competition as the Bears placed team members in the championship matches at both sixth and fifth singles. Shaw will mount a challenge on Saturday as they look to upset the host Golden Bulls.

Weather permitting, Saturday's on-court action will return to Hornet's Nest Park starting at 9:00 am. Should weather prove to be a factor, the final day of competition will be held at the Charlotte Indoor Tennis Club's facility.