Feb. 12, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's tennis team is set to play three matches this weekend at the Turpin Tennis Center on the campus of SMU in Dallas, Texas. The Lady Tigers will face-off with UT-Arlington at 9:30 a.m., followed by an afternoon date with conference-rival SMU. On Sunday, Feb. 15, the U of M will face Stephen F. Austin. Memphis is coming off of a two-for-Tuesday performance, with victories over UAB and Samford in Birmingham, Ala. Memphis hasn't defeated UAB since the 2003-04 season. Last year, the Tigers lost to Samford, 6-1, in Memphis. The U of M has posted its best record to start a season since they went 4-1 to begin the 2003-04 campaign.

"Friday is going to be almost an identical situation to what we faced on Tuesday," said Memphis head coach Lee Taylor Walker. "Friday will pose a situation like Tuesday where we have to face two double headers against two very solid opponents. SMU is also playing a double header. Neither team should have an emotional or physical advantage in the match."

The Tigers are coming off of four-straight victories after falling to Georgia, who was ranked No. 6 at the time. Memphis had been anchored at the top of their line-up by Marjorie Ondeck and Ashley Murdock, an All-C-USA performer last season. Murdock has posted a 5-3 record this season, splitting time between the No. 1 and No. 2 singles positions. Ondeck also boasts a mark of 5-3. Memphis has also been helped by the recent success of freshmen Sarah Irvin and Robyn Jones. Irvin, a native of Queensland, Australia, has posted a record of 5-2 in 2009. Her fellow newcomer, Jones, is 4-3 this season. Jones' win at the No. 5 singles position on Tuesday night against Samford catapulted the Tigers to a 4-2 defeat of the Bulldogs.

In doubles, Jones and Ondeck have recently been paired up, as have Murdock and Irvin. The two tandems have produced fine results over the last four matches. Jones and Ondeck have garnered a 2-1 record in that time. Murdock and Irvin have gone undefeated over the last four matches.

UT-Arlington (2-1), is coming off of a 6-1 loss in their last match against Rice, who is currently ranked as the 69th-best team in the nation. The Mavs' top of the singles line-up is led by Monika Hadvigerova, the 122nd-ranked singles player in the country. Hadvigerova is 3-0 so far this season.

SMU (6-1) is led by reigning C-USA Player of the Week Nicole Briceno. Briceno has gone 4-1 so far this season. At the No. 1 singles position, Natalia Bubien is 5-1 this season. Bubien upset 50th-ranked Irene Squilaci of Abilene Christian earlier this year. In doubles, Bubien and Pavi Francis have been a formidable opponent for their foes. They have posted a 6-1 record so far this season.

Stephen F. Austin (1-2) is led by Roxana Enica at the No. 1 singles slot. Enica is 2-1 this season with wins over opponents from Houston and Louisiana Tech. The Lumberjacks' top doubles tandem of Enica and Alina Shazhko also have a mark of 2-1.

The Lady Tigers will remain on the road following their match with Stephen F. Austin, with matches against Mississippi State, Tulane and Houston.