March 3, 2006

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's tennis team continues its home stand Saturday at noon against the No. 66 Texas Tech Lady Raiders.

Last weekend, the Tigers defeated Montana State and Minnesota, improving their record to 5-3. Mizzou is 0-2 in conference play after falling to then-No. 36 Nebraska and No. 61 Oklahoma. Tiger senior Hana Kraftova leads the team with a 4-2 record at the No. 1 singles position.

The No. 66 Lady Raiders enter the match at 6-4 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12. They are led by Cigdem Duru and Janet Durham, who are each 7-3 in singles play. In their last match, the Lady Raiders defeated Colorado State 4-1.

Saturday's match at Green Tennis Center in Columbia will begin at noon. All home matches are open to the public.

Tiger Notes

Pratzel Continues to Win Tiger junior Amanda Pratzel improved to 7-1 after winning two matches last weekend. Playing at the No. 3, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles positions, Pratzel has been winning consistently all season. She has won all of her seven matches in straight sets.

Tigers Continue Tough Big 12 Schedule No. 66 Texas Tech marks the Tigers' third straight Big 12 opponent ranked inside the top 70 of the ITA poll. The Tigers lost to then-No. 36 Nebraska and No. 61 Oklahoma to start the Big 12 season at 0-2. The schedule does not get any easier, next weekend Mizzou hosts No. 16 Baylor before traveling to No. 45 Colorado on March 18.

Head Coach Blake Starkey Collects his 100th Win With last Friday's 7-0 win over Montana State, Blake Starkey earned his 100th career win as Mizzou's head coach. Starkey comments on his first eight years of coaching the Tigers, "I've just had the best seat in the house to watch great tennis, and it's been a good ride so far."

Up Next The Tigers will finish their home stand March 11 when they host No. 16 Baylor at 1 p.m. All home matches are held at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia and are open to the public.