Sooners Host Pair of Ranked Big 12 Rivals

NORMAN, Okla. – The 23^rd-ranked Oklahoma women's tennis team concludes its five match homestand against the 54^th-ranked Texas Longhorns Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. and the 8^th-ranked Baylor Bears Sunday, March 15 at noon. Both matches will be aired live on SoonerSports.tv and re-aired on various Fox Sports outlets.

“We're really privileged that we have that opportunity here at OU and that they're willing to put those kind of resources into covering our matches,” said OU head coach David Mullins. “As coaches, we really appreciate it.”

The Sooners enter the weekend with an 11-2 record on the heels of a 6-1 win over 31^st-ranked New Mexico on Sunday, March 8. OU has received plenty of help from its freshman class, accumulating a 27-8 record in singles and a 12-6 combined record in doubles. Each freshman that participated against New Mexico recorded a win.

Oklahoma's first opponent, Texas, enters the weekend with a 2-6 record but has been the victim of a very difficult schedule and a spell of injuries.

Each of Texas' previous eight opponents are in this week's ITA Rankings, including seven in the Top 40, four in the Top 25, three in the Top 15, which includes current 4^th-ranked Southern California. The Longhorns have also played their last three matches with less than six student-athletes available due to injury. Breaunna Addison comes in ranked 49^th in singles for Texas, while her and doubles partner Ryann Foster come in ranked 39^th.

“We're assuming that they are going to be at 100 percent health,” said Mullins. “We have to be prepared for their best team and be prepared for their best tennis. It's a great opportunity on our home court.”

Baylor enters the weekend with a 12-3 record and are battle-tested as well. The Bears have played against nine teams that are currently ranked, including 2^nd-ranked UCLA, 5^th-ranked Virginia, 7^th-ranked Georgia, 11^th-ranked Vanderbilt, and 19^th-ranked Ohio State.

“Like I was telling the girls, they are one of the most disciplined teams they will ever play,” said Mullins. “They don't give you any cheap or easy points and they don't get down on themselves mentally. This is a good example of the type of team we want to become in the years ahead and we're making good progress towards that.”

The Bears feature three players ranked in singles, including Ema Burgic at No. 22, Blair Shankle at No. 31, and Kiah Generette at No. 75. In doubles, Burgic and Shankle are ranked No. 10. Burgic has a 9-3 record at No. 1 singles, while her and Shankle have a 6-2 record at No. 1 singles.

Seeking 100

Mullins enters the weekend with 98 career wins in just seven seasons as head coach of OU. The milestone would become just the latest of several recent accomplishments for the Sooners' head coach.

In 2014, Mullins led the Sooners to their highest ITA ranking ever, coming in at No. 14 the week of March 4. OU also reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for just the third time in school history and the second time under Mullins. Oklahoma's success in 2014 would eventually lead to its highest ITA preseason ranking in school history, entering this season ranked No. 24. In addition, Mullins was named the ITA Central Region Coach of the Year in 2014.

Live Scoring

TEXAS: http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=209948143

BAYLOR: http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=209948490

Looking Ahead

The Sooners travel to Charleston, S.C., to take on the College of Charleston Cougars on Thursday, March 19 at 1 p.m. CT.