VALDOSTA, Ga. - One week ago, a series of NCAA Division II Regional Men's Tennis Tournaments, featuring 32 of the nation's best programs, took place throughout the country, with each team competing for one of 16 coveted spots in at the DII National Championship Festival in Denver, Colo. After a thrilling 5-4 win over the rival Barry Buccaneers at the South 2 Regional in Miami Shores, Fla., the Blazers punched their ticket to Denver and will represent one of the final 16 to compete for the 2016 title.

Valdosta State, now 17-6 on the year as the No. 8 ranked team in the nation, has a tremendous amount of momentum working in their favor as they head into competition next week against Bluefield State. The Blazers have won every playoff match they have competed in during their 2016 postseason run, including a GSC Championship win over No. 6 West Florida, two wins over No. 46 North Alabama, and the aforementioned regional victory over Barry.

Bluefield State, out of the Atlantic Region will serve as Valdosta State's first opponent in a matchup slated for 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 18. The Blues, currently ranked No. 44 in the nation with an 18-2 record, last suffered defeat on March 17th against the Rollins Tars, a team VSU defeated 8-1 earlier this season.

Led by the Gulf South Conference Co-Coach of Year John Hansen, along with GSC Player of the Year Leo Blay and All-GSC honorees Gereon Heitmann, Fernando Rivas, and Jordi Mas, the Blazers will look to carry their momentum deep into the National Tournament with an eye on the Championship Match, scheduled for May 21st in Denver.

For more information about the 2016 National Tournament, including ticket information, digital programs, and a full tournament bracket, CLICK HERE. Live coverage of all of VSU's matches throughout the tournament will be available right here at www.vstateblazers.com.