CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Austin Peay men's tennis team have its first real look at Ohio Valley Conference competition when it travels south for matches at Jacksonville State and Samford, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

The Govs had an outstanding Fall season, finishing with a .708 win percentage after three tournaments. However, a tough Spring scheduled has challenged them early and not seen the best results. Opening the season at Memphis and Clemson, the road has not been easy. But in the sense of preparation, head coach Ed Dickson says his team should be ready.

“We should not feel like this trip is stiff competition,” Dickson said. “We have been playing comparable teams for two months now and we should be comfortable playing this level of competition.”These teams have consistently been among the top schools in the OVC and it is hard to break through to that level. We have been preparing for that breakthrough and it is now time to show our improvement.”

The Govs (1-7, 0-0 OVC) have played strong in the middle of their lineup all year with sophomore Leonardo Locatelli and senior Patrick Puertolas carrying 4-5 dual records at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Junior Lucas De Brito is 3-6 at No.1 singles, replacing longtime top-man Ankur Singla who graduated last spring. Freshman Jay Wilkinson also has provided solid play at No. 5 singles, boasting a 5-4 dual record.

The match-up to watch when the Govs visit the Gamecocks (4-3, 1-0 OVC) will be at No. 2 singles. Locatelli will face off against Eduardo Saratt who stands at 3-0. At No. 3 singles, Puertolas will likely play a thriving Chris Duke, who has won his last two matches.

Samford's men (4-4, 1-0 OVC) are coming off a sweep of UT-Martin, last Sunday. Hank Grant, at No. 3 singles, owns a 6-0 record in dual matches, while Oliver Reynolds and Renan Silveira also highlight the Bulldogs roster. No. 1 singles player Jordan Delass, who was picked atop the preseason tennis rankings, holds a 5-3 dual record.