Big Weekend Upcoming for Tide Women's Tennis
4/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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The University of Alabama women's tennis team will look to make history this weekend as they will host the Marquette Golden Eagles on Friday at 3 p.m. and travel to the plains to face arch-rival Auburn at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The 26th-ranked Crimson Tide (10-8, 5-5 SEC) can ensure themselves of a winning record for the fourth consecutive season with a win over Marquette on Friday. The Tide hasn't had four straight seasons with a winning record since 1990-1993.
Marquette (4-14, 1-1 CUSA) has struggled this season, but has played a very tough schedule. The Golden Eagles have already faced 10 ranked opponents this year. It will be the first meeting between Marquette and Alabama.
"It will be nice competing at home again after a long stretch on the road," said Alabama head coach Jenny Mainz. "It is another opportunity to play an out of conference and out of region match with Marquette."
Alabama can also clinch a share of the SEC Western Division title with a win at Auburn on Sunday. The Tide won their first ever division title last season, and would make school history with a share of a second-straight championship. If LSU loses to Arkansas on Saturday, Alabama would be the out-right champions in the Western Division.
Auburn (9-11, 2-8 SEC) has had a rather disappointing year so far, but has recently come on strong. Tiger senior Carolina Ramirez has won her last seven matches at doubles and singles. The Tide leads the series against Auburn 22-19 with Alabama taking last year's match in Tuscaloosa, 4-3.
"Auburn is always an exciting rivalry," Mainz said. "We have a lot to play for this weekend and will use these matches to help prepare us for the SEC Championships next weekend in Nashville."
Alabama will host the South Alabama Jaguars on Tuesday at 3 p.m. and will honor Millie Begovic for Senior Day. The match is scheduled to take place at the UA Rec Courts.
