March 18, 2005
ORLANDO - When the UCF women's tennis team faces Houston at the UCF Tennis Complex on Saturday at 10 a.m., the match will provide a glimpse into the future. The Golden Knights, who are currently members of the Atlantic Sun Conference, and the Cougars will become rivals as UCF moves into Conference USA during the 2005-06 academic year.
After a slow start against some tough ranked competition, the Golden Knights (7-7) enjoyed a five-match winning streak that was stopped by UC-Irvine on Tuesday. The team is looking to rebound from the 4-3 loss and will benefit from a three-match homestand before its season finale against Stetson in DeLand.
Despite the loss, UCF continues to play well in doubles competition. The duo of senior Kristina Lohmos and Kyla McNicol is riding a six-match winning streak, while junior Pamela Fernandez and sophomore Becky Gordon have won four of their last five outings.
Prior to Friday afternoon's match against Miami (Ohio), Houston owns a 9-4 record this season. The Cougars also boast a hot doubles in pair senior Biljana Dimovska and junior Yoalndi Terblanche, who have won six consecutive matches.
UCF and Houston have met three times previously on the hardcourt with the Cougars holding a 2-1 lead in the series. The Golden Knights dropped a 5-2 decision in Houston last year.