Nebraska Faces In-State Rival Creighton Wednesday

Lincoln- After having their three-match winning streak snapped this past weekend, the Nebraska women's tennis team will be looking to bounce back with a win over in-state rival Creighton. After Wednesday's match, Nebraska travels to the Lone Star state to take on Texas Tech on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Texas on Sunday at 1 p.m.

In Wednesday's matchup with Creighton, the Lady Jays will be looking to avenge last year's 9-0 loss in Lincoln. Nebraska Head Coach Scott Jacobson feels this will be a tough test for the Huskers.

"They are better than they were last year," Jacobson said. "I have been told that this year's team is the strongest they have had in recent years."

On Saturday, Nebraska faces a Texas Tech team that defeated the Huskers twice last season, both by scores of 5-4. Jacobson remembers last year's loss to the Red Raiders in the Big 12 Tournament and hopes improve upon that.

"Those losses were the two most disheartening matches we had last year," Jacobson said. "With those losses on our mind, we should be able to play at a really high level."

In Nebraska's final match of the week, the Huskers take on a Texas squad that is ranked sixth nationally. Texas dropped it's last match to No. 3 Georgia. Coach Jacobson is excited to play a highly ranked team.

"We enjoy the chance to get to play a team like Texas," Jacobson said. "All we can do is just go out there and play our best and see what happens."

So far this spring, Nebraska has been led by freshman Katarina Balan and sophomore Ndali Ijomah. Balan has compiled a 4-2 record at No. 2 singles this spring. Ijomah, a Seattle, Wash., native, has posted a 4-2 record as well at No. 3 singles. Jacobson is pleased with the progress both players have made this spring.

"Both Katarina and Ndali have played very well so far this spring," Jacobson said. "Everytime they step out onto the court they are looking more and more confident. It is tough to ask a freshman and a sophomore to step up and play No. 2 and No. 3 but these two have exceled there so far."

NU will have junior Sandra Noetzel back at full strength for this weeks matches. Last week she missed three practices. Jacobson says she is back to 100 percent.