Flames Men’s Tennis Unveils Challenging 2023 Non-Conference Slate

Schedule

The two-time defending ASUN champion Liberty Flames men’s tennis team has unveiled its spring 2023 non-conference slate, featuring matches against the 2022 national champion and national runner-up.

Liberty will host the No. 1 team in the nation and 2022 national title winner Virginia in its spring season opener, Jan. 19 at the Liberty Tennis Complex. Eight days later (Jan. 27), the Flames will meet NCAA national runner-up No. 7 Kentucky in their opening match at ITA Kickoff Weekend in Lexington, Ky. Liberty will be competing at ITA Kickoff Weekend for a third consecutive season in 2023.

“We are honored to represent Liberty in the upcoming season. There are great opportunities on the schedule to compete against the nation’s best teams,” stated sixth-year Flames head coach Derek Schwandt. “Mentality is our number focus this summer as we prepare. We want to be in the mode where we are challenging our opponent and earning a lot of forced errors.”

Liberty will host three more ranked teams from this past year as well in 2023: No. 29 VCU (Feb. 12), No. 48 Charlotte (TBD) and No. 57 Clemson (Feb. 10). The Flames will also welcome Penn State (Feb. 24) and South Florida (Feb. 26) at the end of February.

In addition to facing No. 7 Kentucky at ITA Kickoff Weekend, Liberty will square off with either No. 38 Notre Dame or No. 39 Washington the next day (Jan. 28). During Spring Break (March 10-12), the Flames will head to the Arizona State Tournament and likely encounter ranked opponents at the event (opponents TBD).

Liberty’s other road contests will be against No. 70 Old Dominion (TBD) and William & Mary (Feb. 4).

2023 Home Non-Conference Schedule

Jan. 19 vs. No. 1 Virginia

Feb. 10 vs. No. 57 Clemson

Feb. 12 vs. No. 29 VCU

Feb. 24 vs. Penn State

Feb. 26 vs. South Florida

TBD vs. No. 48 Charlotte

2023 Road Non-Conference Schedule

Jan. 27 at No. 7 Kentucky (ITA Kickoff Weekend)

Jan. 28 vs. No. 38 Notre Dame/No. 39 Washington (ITA Kickoff Weekend)

Feb. 4 at William & Mary

March 10-12 at Arizona State Tournament (opponents TBD)

TBD at No. 70 Old Dominion

*All national rankings are from the end of the 2022 season.