March 2, 2005

Columbia, Mo. - Coming off a four match home win streak, the Missouri Tigers climb into the #53 spot in this week's national tennis rankings. Mizzou looks to improve upon its 7-2 record with weekend matches against #64 Ohio State and #75 Louisville. The Tigers square off against #75 Louisville on Fri., March 4 and face #66 Ohio State on Sat., March 5. Both matches begin at 2:00 p.m.

Heading into the weekend, the Tigers look to maintain the momentum they picked up defeating Big 12 Conference foe #46 Colorado, 4-3 last weekend. The victory marked the first time the Tigers had defeated the Buffaloes since the 2002-2003 season. The win ties Missouri with Nebraska to rank second in Big 12 Conference standings.

The depth of the Mizzou lineup has proved to be key in the Tigers' success this season. Newcomers Carolyn Kramer and Charlotte Bellis have both picked up important wins helping Missouri to its #53 ranking. Kramer has been impressive at No. 5 and No. 6 singles posting a 6-2 record including victories over Minnesota's Marina Bugaenco and Colorado's Gleisy Torres Torres. Highlighting in doubles play, the duo of Hana Kraftova and Charlotte Bellis is 3-0 on the year helping Mizzou claim the doubles point in several tightly contested matches.

Mizzou concludes its seven-match home stand on Sat., March 12 hosting Eastern Illinois and Air Force. The Tigers face Eastern Illinois at 10:00 a.m., and Air Force at 4:00 p.m. All Mizzou tennis matches are held in the Green Tennis Center and are open to the public.