WJTV Video: Belhaven Tennis: "Restoring Glory"
KANSAS CITY, Mo.-The Belhaven men's tennis team will battle Campbellsville University (KY) in the opening round of the 2012 NAIA National Championships held May 15-19 in Mobile, Ala. The national office announced the matchup on Tuesday afternoon. The Blazers, ranked 15th in the final NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, received an at-large berth in this year's field on the strength of their final ranking in the poll.

Belhaven is 15-3 following the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament where they advanced to the semifinals. The Blazers topped the University of Mobile in the opening round before falling to William Carey University in the semifinals. The Blazers have a strong men's tennis tradition, having won the 1983 NAIA National Championship while boasting a third place finish in 1984.

“I am excited that we are headed back to the NAIA National Tournament,” said Head Coach Levi Patton. “Belhaven has a rich tennis history and I'm proud that we are continuing that proud tradition. Over the last four years we have rebuilt the program and it's back to where it was during the programs high point.”

Belhaven is led by Jefferson Nino who is 16-0 in singles competitions this season and has lost only twice in doubles play compared to 15 victories. Nino, a freshman from Bogota Columbia, has a combined record of 31-2 heading into the national tournament. Nino was a Southern States Athletic Conference 2nd Team All-Conference selection.

Freshman player's David Mejia and Daniel Prado joined Nino on the SSAC All-Conference team and have helped anchor Belhaven's postseason run. Mejia, who hails from Bogota Columbia, is 13-1 in singles play and 11-3 in doubles matches. Prado, a native of Morelia, Mexico, is 11-1 in singles competition and 11-3 in doubles matches.

“You could not ask for a more balanced team and the players are focused on the team's success,” adds Patton. “This is a great group of hard working guys and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do on the national stage.”

The Blazers opening match against Campbellsville gets underway on Tuesday the 15th at 1:00 PM with the winner advancing to play second seeded Embry-Riddle University on Wednesday at 1:00 PM.

The official NAIA press release and complete tournament bracket can be viewed by clicking here.