By Matthew Bassin
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, February 4, 2005
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The No. 39 Arizona women's tennis team hosts another dual match at the Robson Tennis Center, as the Wildcats play the Loyola-Marymount Lions (0-2) today at 1:30 p.m.
Arizona (3-0) has never faced Loyola-Marymount (0-2), though the Wildcats' No. 23 Dianne Hollands defeated the Lions' Kimi Kaloi, 6-1, 6-1, in the second round of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Regionals in the fall.
The Lions are coming off losses to No. 4 UCLA and No. 64 Pacific while Arizona is coming off a successful home stand against the University of Texas El Paso and No. 41 Sacramento State
UA assistant coach Brian Ramirez said it doesn't matter whom the Wildcats face, he's looking for consistency.
"I want to make sure the girls continue to make progress," said Ramirez. "They need to focus on executing their game plan no matter who the opponent."
Head coach Vicky Maes is expecting a little extra out of her team this weekend.
"I'm really looking to dominate this weekend," said Maes. "We should crush these teams. If we only win by a little, there's something wrong."
Maes, a former UA tennis player, said she knows that her team needs these wins as confidence boosters, as it readies for a tougher road ahead.
"Our goal is to be encouraged for Pac-10 play," she said. "If this team stays healthy, and they have that belief in themselves, then there aren't too many teams we should lose to."
Hollands said the team's recent momentum gives reason for encouragement.
"I feel great," Hollands said. "I'm much more confident; our team one through six is consistently great. It really helps with the team's confidence."
The Wildcats face the No. 51 University of San Diego Toreros (0-1) Saturday at 2 p.m.
For a men's tennis preview, go to: wildcat.arizona.edu