WoMen's Tennis Heads West for Two Matches
February 09, 2011 | Women's Tennis
The University of South Florida women's tennis team, listed No. 27 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings, embarks on a two-match swing along the West Coast on Thursday with a matchup vs. No. 17 Southern Cal at 4:30 p.m. ET followed by a showdown with the 49th-ranked University of San Diego on Monday at 1 p.m.
The Bulls at 1-2 are coming off a tough 5-2 loss at No. 2 Florida on Tuesday and are playing their fourth- and fifth-straight ranked opponents while in California.
"We have a tough early schedule, and this is definitely going to be a test for us,” USF head coach Agustin Moreno said. “USC has a great tradition in tennis, and San Diego is a ranked team that can win every match they play. I feel good about our team and our chances, but there's no doubt this is another challenge for the girls."
USF has been led early in the season by junior Janette Bejikova, who has amassed a 2-1 dual match record with wins over two top-50 opponents. She has also partnered with Loreto Alonso Martinez to secure two doubles wins over ranked opponents.
The Bulls will see three ranked individuals and two ranked doubles teams on a Southern California team led by Maria Sanchez, who ranks No. 3 as an individual and No. 80 as a doubles tandem with Kaitlyn Christian.
Two days later, San Diego presents a challenge of depth, as no individuals or doubles teams are ranked nationally but the team is among the top 50 in the country.
Following those matches, the Bulls have one more road contest vs. Virginia Commonwealth on Feb. 19 before returning home to take on Central Florida on Feb. 23.
