May 19, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior Jason Lee (Melbourne, Australia) and sophomore Russell Bader (Austin, Texas) joined an elite group of Nittany Lions this week. Penn State's No. 1 doubles duo earned a bid to the 32-team NCAA Doubles Tournament. The tournament will occur from May 23-28 at Georgia's Dan Magill Tennis Complex.
"Jason and Russell worked really hard this year," said head coach Jeff Zinn. "They played really well all season and earned this opportunity.
Lee and Bader recently completed one of the most impressive campaigns in Nittany Lion history. Even with Lee missing more than a month of action due to injury, the tandem finished the season with a 14-1 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark against ranked opponents. They also came in No. 28 in the final regular season ITA Doubles poll.
As a senior co-captain, Lee led the way for Penn State this season. He posted 17 doubles wins overall and moved into third place all-time in career doubles victories. Bader was equally impressive, posting 24 doubles victories on the season.
The Nittany Lion duo will learn its seed and first-round opponent on Tuesday, May 22 following the completion of the NCAA team tournament. Lee and Bader earned an at-large bid and will face a conference automatic qualifier in the first round. Action will begin Wednesday May 23.