The UA women's tennis team is undefeated so far, but the true season begins this weekend as the team travels to Eugene, Ore. to begin its Pacific 10 Conference schedule against the Ducks.

Arizona (3-0 overall) has not played a match in almost a month, but head coach Vicky Maes is not concerned about the possibility of the team coming out rusty.

"We have not competed in a while," Maes said. "I am not concerned, though. We are all excited to start Pac-10 play. We are also excited to travel for the first time as a team, and I think we will be prepared."

The No. 45 Wildcats' trip to Eugene marks the beginning of a six-game Pac-10 road trip, which will consist of five Top 20 opponents.

The No. 65 Ducks (6-1) finished the 2001 campaign last in the Pac-10, but Maes said that Oregon is a much-improved team this season.

"Oregon has never really been known as a strong team, but that has changed," Maes said. "At the Pac-10 Indoor Championships they showed us what a tough team they are. Everyone this year in conference is tough and playing on the road will add to the challenge. We need to go out and give a great effort. I think we are the stronger team, but we have to be prepared for a tough fight."

The Wildcats are led by two underclassmen, sophomore Debbie Larocque and freshman Maja Mlakar, who are ranked Nos. 54 and 89, respectively.

Mlakar and Larocque also play doubles together and have earned themselves a No. 56 national ranking.

"Maja and Debbie have a chance to be All-Americans this year," Maes said. "It is just a matter if they can keep up their level of play. They will struggle at times, but they are both very talented. Maya is so powerful and confident. Her talent and range for improvement has no limits."

Individually, Mlakar, Larocque and freshman Marie-Pier Pouliot enter the match undefeated on the season with a 3-0 record.

Maes said that UA can't afford to be overconfident against the Ducks, even though the Wildcats are undefeated in the season.

"The Pac-10 is such a tough conference," Maes said. "We have been practicing hard, and we are prepared to start conference play. There is nothing else we could have done to prepare for this weekend. We are just excited to get back on the court."