Arizona to host busy tennis weekend

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat UA's No. 1 singles player Roland Kupka hits an overhand shot last season. The Wildcats will square off against Texas-El Paso today at the Robson Tennis Center at 1:30 p.m.

"You never know about teams like UTEP," UA head coach Bill Wright said. "It's so early in the season that you can't get a read on your competition due to player turn-over."

The Miners (0-1), who defeated UA last season, suffered a 4-3 loss to New Mexico State earlier this season.

"We lost to (the Miners) last year in a heart-breaker, but we hope to gain a lot of confidence in the upcoming non-conference matches," said Roland Kupka, a senior and UA's No. 1 singles player. "We have to do what we know we can do, and the early season losses to difficult teams will not deter the guys."

After a two-week hiatus, the women's tennis team returns to action this weekend as they host Washington State and No. 37 University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

"I don't think the layoff will be a huge factor, but it's always a concern," UA head coach Stephanie London said. "I tell the girls every day the importance of preparation, and we try to stimulate match situations in practice."

The Rebels ran out to a 2-0 record in January, while the Cougars, who are newcomers to the Pacific 10 Conference, have fallen to an 0-2 mark.

"Washington State has a slightly more experienced team than UNLV, because UNLV has a lot of new players," London said. "I still think that we'll be stronger if the team plays like they can, but all the matches will be competitive."

No. 23 Arizona (3-2 ) and Washington State play Saturday at 1 p.m., while the Wildcats and UNLV exchange volleys Sunday at 11 a.m.