The in-state war will begin for the U women’s tennis team this weekend, as BYU and Southern Utah head north to match up against the Utes.
Utah is 8-11 overall, and 2-4 in Mountain West Conference play, while BYU is 8-12 overall, and 3-3 in conference play.
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds are currently 4-4 overall, but will not be the main concern for the Utes since they are not a conference opponent.
The matches will take place at the Salt Lake Swimming and Tennis Club, if the weather does not warrant a suspension of play.
Utah had not been playing well as of late, but just ended a five-game losing streak against Colorado State.
BYU is ranked No. 40 in the nation and is coming off a sweep of Colorado State and Wyoming. The two wins allowed the Cougars to overtake the Utes in the conference standings.
“This match with BYU is extremely important for us,” U head coach John Tsumas said. “We need this victory to get back into the MWC race and I feel that we have a good chance at winning.”
Utah had a chance to keep pace with the Cougars, but could not finish off the Wyoming Cowgirls in a close match, 4-3.
BYU defeated Wyoming 5-2 and was tested against Colorado, before pulling out the match 4-3.
The Cougars have many strengths, but their doubles teams should be able to dominate the Utes. Lu Oswald and Dominique Reynolds lead the doubles charge.
Brooke Beverley, who missed the match against Wyoming due to injury, will play against the Utes.
In order for the Utes to have a fighting chance against BYU, players such as Ellen Svennson and Cassie Kasteler must provide surprise wins, considering the amount of talent the Cougars have at the top of the singles and doubles list.
Finishing off the weekend with a win over BYU is the main goal for the U, and Southern Utah will be the icing on the cake.
The competition is a make or-brake match for the Utes’ chances in moving up the conference ladder.