PROVO -- The No. 49 BYU women's tennis team (4-7) will be in action on Tuesday as they take on No. 11 Tennessee in Provo at noon. This will be the seventh nationally-ranked opponent the Cougars have played in the last seven matches.
Although the Cougars have lost some matches to top teams, BYU head coach Craig Manning is very optimistic and said he likes his team's chances.
"We have had some great matches with great teams," said Manning. "We have played tough in all of them and we haven't been blown out by anyone. Our schedule has to be one of the toughest in the nation but that is how I wanted it. It will only help us toward the end of the season during conference play. That is when the matches really count."
Tennessee comes into this match with BYU on a five-game winning streak. The Lady Vol tennis squad claimed its fifth-straight victory Sunday afternoon with a 7-0 whitewashing of the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks in Fayetteville, Ark. With the win, Tennessee improved to 13-3 and 5-1 in conference play in the SEC.
"I expect Tennessee to come and play very tough," said Manning. "But I know our girls will come out and fight hard as well. We haven't backed down from anyone yet and we aren't going to start now."
With the Cougars dealing with so many injuries this season, Tara Porter has rejoined the team and will see some singles action against Tennessee. Manning is hoping that a few changes in the lineup will help the Cougars to victory.
"Everyone has been playing really well, but that hasn't really been seen in the final score," said Manning. "Anytime you play good opponents, you are going to improve as well. We are getting better and better with each passing week and we are mentally tougher. We will get some good wins still."
After the match with Tennessee, BYU will be at home again this upcoming weekend as they host No. 71 Boise State on Friday and No. 24 South Carolina on Saturday. Both matches will begin at noon.