Men's and w. tennis host local teams

This weekend is the last chance for the men's and women's tennis teams to perfect their games before the Ivy League matches officially begin. Back at home after their spring trips, both teams hope to make the most of this Saturday and come out with wins under their belts over local opponents Rutgers and Temple.

The women (3-8 overall) come into this weekend confident after a decisive win on Wednesday over Rutgers. Played in Piscataway, N.J. on Rutgers' turf, the Tigers took five of the six singles matches to win the match 5-2. In singles play, sophomore second seed Jessica Siebel, freshman fifth seed Joanna Roth, and sophomore sixth seed Rankin Williams all earned straight-set victories.

The victory was symbolic of the team's determination, ensuring that the Tigers are strong and confident coming in to the important Ivy League schedule. Top freshmen singles players Darcy Robertson and Laura Trimble, playing at the 1 and 4 spots, displayed the fire the Tigers will need come next week, battling back from first set losses to top their opponents.

Weak competition

Tomorrow the women will take on Temple (2-11). The Tigers and Owls have only one opponent in common this season — Loyola Marymount. Both Princeton and Temple dropped their matches against Loyola. Temple lost 5-2, while Princeton picked up one more win in a 4-3 defeat.

"We are looking forward to a competitive match against Temple," Siebel said. "Next weekend we start off our season against Penn, who is currently No. 1 in the league. We want to be ready for what comes our way."

The Tigers may only have a 3-8 record on the season, but they enjoy a winning record at home. Temple is a dismal 1-10 on the road this season, so the Tiger women are primed for a victory.

League tuneup

The men will also be in action at home tomorrow, facing Rutgers (1-5) before the women take on the Owls. The men are also hoping to come out with a victory to take into next week as their Ivy season commences.

The Tigers (4-5) return to Princeton after a week in California with high spirits, as they were able to battle with some very competitive West Coast teams and even swipe a huge victory over nationally-ranked Purdue.

"The Rutgers match on Saturday is our last tuneup before the Ivy League season begins," head coach Glen Michibata said. "We are coming off a good Spring Break trip in which the team played better with each match."

This Saturday's game will require the same intensity that Princeton used to take down the Boilermakers. The Tigers' match against Rutgers last year was tight. Rutgers put up a good fight, and the Tigers just edged the Scarlet Knights, 4-3, for the victory. Princeton will have to come out self-assured and ready to play in order to secure a victory on Saturday.

"A few Rutgers players have wins over us from last year, so they will be dangerous," Michibata said. "But if we play assertive, solid tennis, we should be in good shape."

Both the men and the women will take on opponents in the newly renovated Lenz Tennis Center.