April 16, 2009
Columbia, Mo. – Coach Blake Starkey and the Missouri Tigers (7-10, 3-6 Big 12) welcome the University of Nebraska (12-6, 4-4 Big 12) on Friday (April 17), play begins at 5:00 p.m. and the Iowa State Cyclones (10-10, 1-8 Big 12) on Sunday (April 19), with play beginning at 1:00 p.m. Both duals will be held at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Mo. Matches will take place indoors or outdoors, according to the weather.
The Tigers have consistently stayed in the top 75 ranking this year, reaching as high as the No. 58 spot. Currently the Tigers are ranked 71st after falling to a trio of Big 12 powerhouses over the past two weekends, then No. 33 Texas A&M, undefeated, No. 32 Texas and most-recently, No. 53 Colorado. The Buffs just edged the Tigers, 4-3.
To say the Tigers are knocking on the door would be an understatement. While Missouri currently sits at 3-6 in conference play, only three points separate them from a 6-3 Big 12 record. Three of their losses have been by 4-3 margins where one point in each match would have swung the match in favor of the Tigers.
Nebraska is coming off a 5-2 loss at Kansas State, a team the Tigers beat 4-3 in Manhattan, Kan. An improved Iowa State squad comes to Missouri sporting a 10-10 overall record, but a 1-8 record in league.
"The girls are very excited to be finishing out at home," said assistant coach Helena Besovic. "They are both good teams, but that is all we have seen this year in our schedule. We anticipate another good crowd, and it should be fun."
This weekend's matches will mark the end of the Tiger's regular season. Next weekend the ladies will travel to Norman, Okla., to compete in the Big 12 Championships.