WT: UTA strives to extend home streak
2/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Cassie Logan | @c4ssielogan
ARLINGTON, Texas - The UT Arlington women's tennis team hasn't lost a match at the UTA Tennis Center since Jan. 24, 2015. The Mavericks are striving to extend the 14-match streak this weekend against Missouri State and Sam Houston State.
"We love to play at home because it's something special," UT Arlington head coach Diego Benitez said. "The team comes out a lot more motivated to play in front of their home crowd. It's been a big advantage and we hope to continue to play this hard the rest of the season."
UTA (2-0) has opened its spring season with sweeps against Montana State 7-0 and Nevada 4-0. Benitez is pleased with the intensity the Mavs have displayed in doubles play. Jessica Birowski and Astrid Gehre lead the team with a pair of wins, while Angeles de los Rios and Elizabeth Thoms, and Luxizi Meng and Augustina Serio are both 1-0. UTA has also worked to a 9-0 record in singles play.
The Mavs have spent the week focused on conditioning, while recreating match play with more points for practice. Benitez has fixed 90 percent of the team's practices on workouts and match simulation to build UTA's endurance for future matches.
"Doubles is disciplined and they handle it really well," Benitez said. "I'm very happy with the way that we've started. The leadership from the veterans and our captain, [Elizabeth], has been great. Our juniors, Angeles, Astrid and Jessica have really stepped up in their roles. They're playing great tennis so far."
UTA hosts Missouri State 2 p.m. Friday as the third of a four-match homestand. The Bears are 1-7 on the season with losses in their last three road matches. Missouri State was downed by Wichita State in its first conference match on Jan. 15.
Sam Houston State travels to Arlington to face the Mavs at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The Bearkats have taken their last two matches to improve to 4-2 overall.
Admission is free for all UTA matches at the UTA Tennis Center. Follow @UTAMavsTennis on Twitter to keep up with all of the action.
