March 9, 2005

olumbia, Mo- The #55 Missouri tennis team concludes its seven-match home stand with matches against Air Force and Eastern Illinois on Saturday, March 12. The Tigers square off against Air Force at 10:00 a.m., and face Eastern Illinois at 4:00 p.m. Mizzou looks to improve upon its 9-2 season record and extend its home win record to 9-0.

Heading into Saturday's competition, Mizzou looks to maintain the momentum picked up after defeating #75 Louisville and #66 Ohio State. The weekend's victories place Missouri in fourth in Big 12 Conference standings, behind Texas, Baylor and Kansas State.

The depth of the Mizzou lineup continues to be a key element to its success this season. Bolstered by the play of both newcomers and returning players, sophomores Yelena Olshanskaya and Erika Josbena have picked up important wins helping the Tigers to its #55 national ranking. Olshanskaya has been impressive at No. 3 singles rallying several come-from-behind victories this season. Newcomer Carolyn Kramer continues to aid the Tiger effort as well posting a 9-2 singles record.

Highlighting in pairs play, the tandem of Hana Kraftova and Charlotte Bellis is 4-0 on the season helping clinch the doubles point for Missouri in several tightly-contested matches.

Missouri concludes the non-conference portion of its schedule traveling to Washington D.C., for matches with George Washington and American next week.