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Tennis teams battle California

Returning to the Pacific 10 Conference portion of the schedule, the Arizona men's and women's tennis teams are trying to continue their winning streaks facing nationally-ranked conference opponents this weekend.

With a four match winning streak, the men's team hosts No. 19 USC (7-3 overall, 2-1 in Pac-10) today.

Coming into the match, the Trojans have only lost one match to UA in the past 66 years. The top three spots in the singles lineup will most likely be held by nationally ranked players. The new standout on the team this year is No. 35 freshman Daniel Langre, who last week reached the semifinals of the Pacific Coast Men's Doubles Championship.

Tomorrow, No. 2 UCLA (11-2, 3-0) comes into Tucson leading the all-time series 46-0. With the team jumping five spots in this week's poll, No. 73 senior Jong-Min Lee will most likely be firing from the No.1 position in the singles lineup.

The weekend has been anticipated by No. 35 Arizona (7-2, 2-1) all week, as sophomore Michel Stopa did not play in his last singles match to recover from a minor case of bronchitis.

"We want to stay healthy (as a team) for SC and UCLA," Stopa said.

Traveling to Los Angles this weekend, the women's team has bounced back from a tough two weeks.

No. 26 Arizona, (6-5, 1-5) faces No. 7 USC (8-2, 2-2) as the Trojans are coming off of a stunning loss to No. 12 UCLA on March 1.

Probably occupying the No. 1 position for them is No. 9 freshman Jewel Peterson. Earlier in the season, the Wildcats lost in Tucson 9-0 to Southern California.

Saturday, UA faces No.12 UCLA (8-3, 1-3). Although, the Bruins have been playing well in the past two weeks - going 2-1 against ranked opponents - the Wildcats are eager for the rematch to boost team morale.

"They're a good deep team and they play as individuals," senior Vanessa Abel said

"We just need to trust ourselves (on the court)."

Today's men's match begins at 1:30 p.m. and tomorrow's game against UCLA starts at noon. Both are at the Robson Tennis Center.