One week after the Oregon men swept their three opponents in four days, the women now have their chance to show what they are made of.
The Ducks (3-0 overall) will try to keep their undefeated home streak alive in a three-matches-in-three-days stretch, including two against nationally ranked teams.
The women will begin play today as they host struggling Portland (0-3 overall) at 9 a.m. and streaking No. 61 Boise State (3-1 overall) at 6 p.m. in the Student Tennis Center. The Ducks will later host 39th-ranked Minnesota (0-2) at 11 a.m. Sunday.
The women so far have started off well in each dual match by sweeping the three doubles matches to earn the first point. The Ducks have a perfect doubles record at 9-0 and are 21-11 overall, which includes the fall season.
Head coach Nils Schyllander said he wants to see that success continue into the weekend against a tough Boise State squad.
“Our doubles play was definitely the highlight of (last weekend),” Schyllander said. “In (Boise State), we are facing our stiffest challenge so far. They are well coached and a very dangerous team with lots of firepower.”
Boise State has won three straight dual matches in decisive 7-0 victories after losing their season opener to Brigham Young. Broncos head coach Mark Tichenor said his team is ready for the challenge and is fully aware of the potential the Ducks have shown so far in the season.
“They are very deep and talented at every singles position and they play incredible doubles,” Tichenor said. “I am sure they will continue to move up (in the rankings).”
The Broncos are headed by senior Jemima Hayward, who is 3-0 in singles this year and was named the Western Athletic Conference women’s tennis Player of the Week after last weekend. Tichenor said the No. 1 singles match-up between Hayward and Oregon junior Daria Panova, who is ranked No. 8 in the country, will be a true test for his best player.
“(Panova) has to be considered one of the top five players in the country right now,” Tichenor said. “It will be a monumental challenge for our number one player.”
Minnesota has not played well this year after losing its first two dual matches to Rice and Georgia Tech. The Golden Gophers, however, are coming off a season that saw them finish at No. 29 in the country and have a share of the Big Ten Conference regular season championship.
The 26th-ranked doubles team, composed of junior Angela Buergis and sophomore Nischela Reddy, headlines the Minnesota women’s squad. They will likely face the No. 18 doubles team of Panova and senior Courtney Nagle.
Schyllander said the depth of his team will be key as each player will need to keep up the consistency they have showed thus far.
“We need to be ready and keep playing our game and focus on the little things that made us successful so far.” Schyllander said. “I also think our depth will play a big part in the three-match weekend.”