University of Houston Athletics
Cougars to Host Tulane, Texas Tech and Kansas
3/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar Women's Tennis team returns to action Friday, March 11 at 1 p.m. as they go head-to-head with American Conference rival Tulane followed by a match against No. 7 Texas Tech at 1 p.m., Saturday before hosting No. 24 Kansas at noon on Sunday.
Friday's action will take place on campus at the University of Houston and the John E. Hoff Courts, while Saturday and Sunday's matches will move to the Houston Country Club.
The Cougars are winding down a 9-match home stand in which they have won four of their last five matches, including an upset of then No. 51 New Mexico, 4-3 last weekend. Houston will look to the undefeated doubles duo of Tina Rupert and Marian Cardenas for a strong start as well as they look to defend their home turf this weekend.
Friday will be the first American Conference match for Tulane, who is also looking to pick up their first victory on the road this season. The Green Wave enter weekend play with a 3-9 record and will follow Friday's match by facing Kansas on Saturday in Houston.
The Cougar's will play their highest ranked opponent of the season on Saturday when they host Texas Tech, who enters the weekend with only one loss. The Red Raiders have defeated four nationally ranked teams this season including a 4-3 win over No. 11 Miami in the ITA National Indoor Championships on Feb. 6, and a 4-1 victory over No. 13 Alabama the following day. Texas Tech's only loss this season came at the hands of No. 2 Georgia, 4-0, in the opening round of the ITA National Indoor Championships. The Red Raiders are led by the talented doubles duo of Lynn Kiro and Alex Valenstein who enter weekend play at No. 39 nationally.
Houston will conclude play this weekend by battling another ranked opponent, Kansas, on Sunday. The 8-2 Jayhawks are coming off of a loss at home to No. 58 Denver last weekend, and before making the journey to Houston, Kansas will host fellow Big 12 opponent No. 51 Baylor on Wednesday, March 9. The Jayhawks have defeated four teams ranked inside the top-50 this season including a 4-1 win over No. 36 Arkansas on Jan. 29. Playing at the top spot for the Jayhawks is No. 69 Anastasiya Rychagova. Rychagova stands at 17-6 this season including a 6-2 mark in spring play.
UP NEXT FOR HOUSTON
Following play this weekend, the Cougars wrap up their 9-match home stand when they host Princeton at the John E. Hoff Courts on March 17 at 1 p.m. Houston will then travel north on I-45 to square off against SMU at 1 p.m., in Dallas on March 19.
WEATHER ADVISORY
Due to the threat of inclement weather in the Houston area this weekend, be sure to follow us on twitter @UHCougarTennis for continuous updates on locations and match times.
JOIN THE CENTER COURT CLUB
The Cougars are proud to introduce the Center Court Club, a restricted-giving program that directly impacts the needs of the University of Houston Tennis program. Gifts to the Center Court Club provide financial support directly to the University of Houston Tennis program for needs beyond the program's operating budget. Revenue generated from the Center Court Club is used at the discretion of the Head Coach for program enhancements. Membership in the Center Court Club is annual and requires a minimum $100 gift.
LEVELS OF GIVING
WINNER
For a minimum gift of $100, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball.
ACE
For a minimum gift of $500, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation and a stadium blanket.
US OPEN
For a minimum gift of $1,000, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation, a stadium blanket, fleece jacket and a lesson from the coach.
GRAND SLAM
For a minimum gift of $2,500, supporters receive a team poster and a signed tennis ball, private practice invitation, a stadium blanket, fleece jacket, a lesson from the coach and a group lesson from the coaching staff.
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Players Mentioned
