Daily Skiff

The women's tennis team will close out the regular season at home Friday when they take on No. 5 Baylor.

The Horned Frogs (13-9, 7-1 Mountain West Conference) will bring a six-match winning streak into the match.

"They're one of the best teams in the country," said head coach Jefferson Hammond. "They're loaded from top to bottom. We're going to have to play our very best tennis to beat them. It's possible, we're capable and we just have to come out and really play."

The Horned Frogs, ranked No. 28, have won its last six matches, sweeping three of its last four opponents 7-0.

Having already finished conference play, the team will play for bragging rights today. Sophomore Maria Babanova said the team is anxious to play after falling to the Bears last season.

"We are (excited) about playing them because last year we lost, but we were playing there," she said. "This year we're playing at home and it will be our last for the seniors, so they're really going to go for it, hopefully, for revenge."

Hammond said his team can't afford to overlook a talented Baylor squad.

"This is as good a team as Baylor's had in all their years," Hammond said. "It should be a good match."

Today's match against Baylor will be the last at home this year, which means it will be the last time seniors Macall Harkins and Anna Sydorska get to play at Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center.

Hammond said there would be a brief ceremony before the game for the departing seniors.

"It's a big day for Macall and Anna," Hammond said. "We're really proud of what they've accomplished."

Friday's forecast calls for a chance of rain. If that's the case, Hammond said the game will be played indoors.

The Horned Frogs will have a short break over the remainder of the weekend before traveling to Albuquerque, N.M., for the MWC Tournament beginning April 22.

Article Tools