Women's Tennis Hosts Loyola And Southern This Weekend

NEW ORLEANS – With Southland Conference play right around the corner, the University of New Orleans women's tennis team looks to build momentum this weekend with a pair of matches, starting with Loyola (New Orleans) at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Privateers host Southern at 11 a.m.

Against the two opponents, the Privateers hold a combined 16-0 advantage over the last 20 years. In last seasons' installment, New Orleans opened up the 2016 spring campaign with back-to-back 7-0 victories against Loyola and Southern.

"Southern is very similar to Alcorn, who we played against last week," head coach Burzis Kanga said. "We have to be prepared for them or they can surprise us. Loyola has played against some strong NAIA teams in their first three games and could challenge us as well. If we play up to our standards we should be able to get two victories this weekend."

New Orleans (1-2) enters the match after a 1-1 week, besting Alcorn State 7-0 in the home opener before dropping a 6-1 decision to the reigning A-SUN champion University of North Florida. Freshman Claudette Gilhespie leads the Privateers with a 2-0 record in singles play, while the doubles duo of senior Anna Segarra Rius and junior Anja Luethi are 1-0 at UNO's top doubles slot.

Loyola (1-2) comes to the Lakefront on a two-match losing streak, most recently losing 8-1 to Southeastern University. Southern (0-2) also enters on a two-match skid, most recently losing 4-0 to Tulane.

Following the weekend matches, the women's team opens Southland Conference play when they host Nicholls on Friday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.