Sports

Cougars hit their stride

By Emily Davis
The Daily Cougar

The Cougars have four matches left before their playing really counts for something. With the single-elimination Conference USA Tournament beginning on April 10 in New Orleans, the UH tennis team has four chances to work out nagging problems on its own terms.

So for a team whose genesis was far from extraordinary -- dropping to a season low 2-5 record before hitting a hot streak and winning six out of nine games to improve to 8-8 -- it seems only fitting that its exodus finds it pleasing a home crowd and coach with vast fundamental improvements.

"They are right on time right now," head coach Jennifer Hyde said. "They are no longer the inexperienced team that we saw at the beginning of the season. They have transitioned into a group of players that will do well in the conference tournament."

Despite a 6-0 loss to Tulsa last week, the Cougars are 7-3 in Houston this season and will continue to look to their home-court advantage to give them a boost down the stretch.

That stretch run starts at 2 p.m. today when UH hosts Sam Houston at the John E. Hoff Varsity courts. Among the players Hyde is counting on is junior Karine Urbin, who lost a tough match to No. 49 Tulsais Daniela Muscolino 6-3, 6-4 in No. 3 singles last week. 

"Karine improves each time she plays," Hyde said. "She is always able to remain focused, no matter what is going on."

But even better for UH than a strong record at home is Sam Houstonis dismal road showing this season. The Bearkats (5-11) are 4-6 on the road and have lost eight out of nine matches, with their latest punishment coming from Southeastern Louisiana in a 5-2 thrashing Sunday in Huntsville.

But a match is a match to UH, who does not take any team lightly.

Just ask freshman Miranda Foley, who was edged by No. 19 Alicia Pillay in three matches last week, or senior Ani Longoni, who also tangled with one of the NCAAis top 100 for three matches when Tulsa came to town and swept the Cougars.

"These girls deserve to be highlighted for the effort they gave and have given all season." Hyde said. "Itis totally coming together for them."

Today will be no different when UHis neighbors from the north see how hospitable the Cougars can be. Since beginning its eight game home stretch last month, UH is 3-2, including a 5-2 win over C-USA foe Charlotte on March 12.

The Cougars will face Texas Tech on Saturday before hosting Tulane on Sunday and Rice on Wednesday.

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