March 16, 1999

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech women's tennis team begins a tough stretch of four road matches in five days tomorrow going up against Southern Mississippi. Play is slated to start at 10:00 am. This will be the first away match of the year for Tech. Also scheduled on the trip are New Orleans, Tulane, and Louisiana State.

The Red Raiders are coming off a 7-2 defeat at the hands of Kansas. The team's overall mark stands at 4-7 (2-4 in Big 12). Southern Mississippi has a three-match winning streak but has had three consecutive matches canceled. Their overall record is 5-5.

Sophomore Alenka Ovin has had the hot-hand for the Red Raiders lately. Ovin posted the only singles victory over Kansas with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Cheryl Mallaiah at #2 singles. She also teamed with Ana Serrot to win at #2 doubles, defeating Mallaiah and Christi Walenaar 8-4. Her overall singles record is a team best 7-4. She is also 2-1 in doubles competition since being paired with Serrot.

After playing Southern Mississippi, Tech is scheduled to face New Orleans on Thursday, Tulane on Saturday and LSU on Sunday. Start times for those matches have yet to be announced.