After going 6-1 in nonconference play, the Oregon women’s tennis team opens the Pacific-10 Conference schedule this weekend.
The Ducks host No. 7 Arizona State on Saturday and No. 44 Arizona on Sunday.
“Both are very good teams,” head coach Jack Griffin said. “They are solid from top to bottom.”
Arizona State is 2-0 this season, beating No. 60 San Diego and No. 27 Pepperdine. The Sun Devils will bring four ranked singles players to the court, led by No. 17 Adria Engel.
Oregon lost its match to Arizona State last season, 7-0.
“The loss to them last year definitely gives us motivation,” Griffin said.
Arizona comes into the weekend with a 3-0 record and four freshmen. The Wildcats beat No. 59 New Mexico, No. 60 San Diego and No. 50 Kansas State.
“They have four freshmen that play for them right now, and that’s why they are only ranked 44th,” assistant coach Nils Schyllander said. “But they have beaten three ranked teams and will probably eventually be in the top 20.”
The Ducks have confidence after performing well on the road against three ranked opponents, but feel they still have much to prove.
“Last weekend was really good and it made us really happy to have some justification for our improvement,” senior Janice Nyland said. “But we still have a ways to go. We are definitely capable of winning either match if we play well.”
One thing that is still bothering Oregon is its doubles play. The Ducks lost the doubles point in both the San Diego State and Loyola Marymount matches last weekend.
“We were able to play tough last week against Loyola Marymount and comeback after losing the doubles point,” Griffin said. “But we need to improve on it because we will really be tested in the Pac-10.”
Oregon is still working toward its main goal of improving every match and earning respect along the way.
“We’re off to a really great start, especially after last weekend,” Schyllander said. “But we are by no means where we want to be. We have to play better in doubles. We need to work on the little things and stay consistent in singles.”
The Ducks host Nevada on Feb. 21, but then play 12 straight matches on the road. Their travels will include Washington, California, Louisiana and Florida.
Action against Arizona State begins 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday against Arizona.
“Everybody needs to step up for us this weekend,” Griffin said. “We need to be strong top to bottom.”