Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Tennis Set to Open 2011 Season
January 21, 2011 | Cowgirl Tennis
Jan. 21, 2011
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State women's tennis team kicks off its 2011 dual season this weekend as the Cowgirls face Mississippi State Saturday at 2 p.m. and North Texas Sunday at noon. The matches will be held at the University of Tulsa's Case Tennis Center.
The Cowgirls, led by second-year coach Chris Young, return nearly their entire roster from last year's 13-10 team and are ranked No. 59 in the ITA team rankings, three spots higher than their final ranking last season.
“I am excited for this weekend and the beginning of our season,” Young said. “This group understands how to compete which will give them a chance to be successful.”
OSU's returners included senior Sasha Belova, 2010 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and No. 4 singles champion Sarah Meghoufel, All-Big 12 honorees Nataliya Shatkovskaya and Alisa Buslaieva, as well as sophomores Malika Rose and Leyla Simmons. They are joined by a trio of newcomers in sophomore transfer C.C. Sardinha and freshmen Allison Burckhartt and Kanyapat Narattana.
Mississippi State, which opens its season Friday against Tulsa, returns five players from last season and adds three newcomers to the squad. The match marks the first time the Cowgirls and Lady Bulldogs have met on the tennis court.
Sunday's matchup against North Texas, ranked No. 66 by the ITA, marks the first time since 2004 and the seventh time overall the teams have met. OSU holds a perfect 6-0 series advantage over the Mean Green, who return seven athletes from last year's Sun Belt Championship team.
Fans can follow the action live at .
