Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Sports

Cougars head to C-USA tourney

Team draws Rice in opening round of championships

by IKECHI ACHILEFU
The Daily Cougar

The UH tennis team will begin their quest today to become champions of Conference USA. No motivation is needed. But if it were, the fact their first opponent is against in-city rival and defending champions, Rice would be a good place to start.

UH took on all comers during the regular season and played five matches versus teams ranked in the FILA Collegiate Top 75, so they will be ready to play in a big match-type setting. The only ranked team they played in conference was SMU. The Cougars (13-8, 2-3) did not face Rice in the regular season, but UH assistant coach, Jo Keene is confident that the team will be ready to face the Owls after the events that transpired last season. "Anytime you play a defending champion, it's big," said Keene. We lost to them in the semifinals of last year's tournament. We're going to relish the opportunity." 

Last weekend the Cougars traveled to Reno to take on two very talented teams in Nevada and Middle Tennessee State. Although the team came up short in both matches they learned and fought more than the scoreboard could have indicated. "That trip was good for our team, because it helped us grow, it showed how far we've come since the beginning of the season," said Coach Keene. "We've learned not just how to play for ourselves, but for each other. We want to take that mentality and confidence into the conference tournament." 

Loli Gomez and Sonja Nikolic are the lone seniors of the team. They will begin playing in their final conference tournament. They have been vital to the success of the Cougars and through out the season have evolved as leaders. 

"Loli and Sonja have stepped up in their own ways to lead the team. I think everyone wants to play their best tennis and win for the seniors," said Keene. 

The Cougar's will begin their opening round of action at 2 p.m. at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on the Tulsa campus. The winner advances to face No. 2 seed SMU Friday at 2 p.m. in the quarterfinals. Houston has won its last six opening round matches at the C-USA Tournament. 

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu