Colorado State University Athletics
Ram tennis to host Gonzaga in home opener
2/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado State women's tennis team will play host to Gonzaga Saturday at 6 p.m. in its first home match of the season at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness. The Rams will also be taking part in the competition between other schools across the country in the 2008 ITA Attendance Race.
The Rams (2-2, 0-0 MWC) are coming off two-match road trip, Feb. 16 and 17, in which they fell to New Mexico State in Las Cruces, N.M., 4-3, and defeated UTEP, 4-3, in El Paso, Texas. Junior Lauren Strasburger earned her first singles victory of the dual season against UTEP and clinched the match for the Rams.
After playing all four matches of the spring season away from the confines of Fort Collins, Colo., the Rams will play host in their first home match. Last season, the Rams held a 4-3 record at home.
"We're looking forward to playing at home," Head Coach Jon Messick. "After four road matches, the team is excited to pay a home match.
"The team is comfortable playing at Miramont; it's our home away from home. We get good fan support, and that creates an exciting atmosphere."
The Rams are led by lone senior Hilary Tyler who currently holds a 3-1 singles record at the No. 2 position and is 2-2 while competing at No. 1 doubles. She is coming off two decisive wins at New Mexico State and UTEP, winning both matches in straight sets and only allowing her opponents a combined two games.
Freshman Caitlin Fluegge has also shown promise for the Rams, boasting a perfect 3-0 record in singles this spring, and tied for most overall wins (nine with Greer Satherlie).
The Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-6) are coming off a 7-0 loss to No. 44 Washington State and have dropped their last four matches; their last win came against Portland State, 4-3. The squad is led by junior Aglaya Kokurina, who has posted a 4-4 record while playing No. 2 singles this season. The Bulldogs will face Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., Friday, before taking on the Rams.
"Gonzaga has played tough teams," said Messick. "We're going to have to have a really good day and play our best tennis."
The match is set for 6 p.m. at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness, located at 901 Oakridge Dr. (970/282-1000). Admission is free.
The Rams will also host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness March 7, at 7:30 p.m.
