Kennesaw State University Athletics

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Kennesaw State women's tennis team looks to rebound from a tough loss to Southeastern Conference opponent Auburn last weekend as they take on the Memphis Tigers and Murray State Racers this weekend in Memphis.

"These are both going to be very good matches to help us see if all our hard work has paid off," said head coach Brandon Padgett.  "I am hoping the experience of opening with such a strong opponent last week is going to pay dividends for our team."

This will be the first head-to-head meeting between the Owls (0-1) and the Tigers (2-4).  Memphis will be led by All-Conference USA selection Ashley Murdock, who occupies the No. 1 singles slot.  The Owls will counter with first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference performer Vera Shkundina.  The sophomore from Ufa, Russia was 15-4 last season at the No. 1 spot for the Owls and was also the champion in the top flight of singles at the Steve Baras Invitational at Chattanooga this fall.

Last season, the Owls faced off with Murray State for the first time and dropped a hard-fought 4-3 decision. The Racers finished the 2008-09 campaign with a 14-8 record and made a run to the finals of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

"Murray State is a program with a lot of positive history," added Padgett. "They are a well-coached team and we are going to need to bring our best tennis to come up with the victory, but I am confident we can do that."

The Friday tilt with Memphis will begin at noon CST at the Racquet Club of Memphis while the match with Murray State will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the WellWorx Sporting Club of Memphis.