April 3, 2008

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The 75th-ranked Alabama women's tennis team hosts No. 30 South Carolina and No. 3 Florida this weekend in its last two home matches of the conference season. The Tide faces the Gamecocks Friday, April 4, at 4 p.m. and the Gators Sunday, April 6, at 12 p.m. Both matches will be held at the UA Varsity Courts across the street from the UA Student Recreation Center.

"This team has been on the verge of a breakthrough all season," said Alabama Head Coach Jenny Mainz. "We have progressed this spring and are playing more solid tennis. We have two considerable opportunities this weekend with number 30 South Carolina and number three Florida. The key for us is to engage early and capitalize on our opportunities when we get them. We need to come out of the gates fast and ready to compete on every point."

Alabama made its debut in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings this week at No. 75. The ranking is the first for the Tide this spring.

Alabama is 7-8 all-time against South Carolina in a series that began in 1980. The Gamecocks, 11-6 overall and 4-4 in the SEC, head into the match with a No. 30 national ranking and feature a handful of ranked players. Gira Schofield, ranked 44th nationally in singles, leads the way for USC and is 4-4 in conference play at the No. 1 slot. Natasha Vuckociv and Ana Marija Zubori follow Schofield at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Both players are leading the team in conference wins with six.

Alabama is looking for its first victory in the series with Florida as the Gators have a 31-0 mark all-time against the Tide in a series that began in 1977. The Gators, 14-1 overall and 8-0 in the SEC, head into the match as the nation's 3rd-ranked team. The Gators are led by the 27th-ranked Julia Cohen at No. 1 singles. Cohen has posted a 12-2 overall record and is 6-2 in the SEC. At No. 4 singles, Whitney Benik is undefeated in dual matches and is 8-0 in the SEC.

This weekend is Parents and Family Weekend for the Tide. The team will honor its guests along with its lone senior Andrea Brenes at the match Sunday.

"I am expecting our team to bring their best this weekend," said Mainz. "They realize that we are on the home stretch and it's time to stop revving the engine and put it into gear. I'm confident we will be fired up playing at home and hosting our annual Parents and Family Weekend. There is still much to play for and opportunities to grab. We need to step up to the plate."

Live statistics will be available for both matches. Admission to both events is free and door prizes will be given away.