@OspreyWTEN Opens #ASunWTEN Play at Lipscomb, Northern Kentucky

Friday, March 20

Highland Heights, Ky.

12:30 p.m.

University of North Florida

Northern Kentucky

@OspreyWTEN Opens #ASunWTEN Play at Lipscomb, Northern Kentucky

3/18/2015 5:03:00 PM | Women's Tennis

By: North Florida Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – University of North Florida women's tennis' quest for a third Atlantic Sun Regular Season championship in four years begins with a pair of road matches at Lipscomb and Northern Kentucky this weekend.

"We have grown a lot and have become physically and mentally stronger than we were at the start of the season," said head coach Audra Cohen. "We are excited to kick off another Atlantic Sun season."

In Cohen's first three seasons, she's guided UNF to two regular season conference titles (2012 and 2014) and two Atlantic Sun Tournament crowns (2012 and 2013). Seniors Marina Cunningham and Rebeca Pereira have been members of all three previous conference championship teams.

UNF enters the weekend with an 8-3 record and hopes to rebound from a 4-2 setback suffered against South Alabama last Saturday. However, since beginning the season with two losses at the ITA Kick-Off Weekend, the Ospreys have won eight of their last nine matches.

Both Esther Zuniga and Michelle Valdez continue to have strong showings on the singles courts. Playing mainly at No. 2 singles, Zuniga has posted an 8-2 mark this spring and has won her last seven matches. Meanwhile, Valdez brings a 10-match winning streak into Thursday's match and is a perfect 10-0 in singles play this season. In doubles, Zuniga and Vazquez are riding a four-match winning streak and are 6-2 at the No. 3 spot.

Thursday's match is the last home match for Lipscomb before embarking on a four-match road swing. The Lady Bisons enter with a 7-5 record overall, including 7-2 on its home courts. Lipscomb has won its last two matches, which includes a 7-0 shutout of Alabama-Huntsville on Mar. 13. Laura Kent is 8-2 in singles this season, including 8-0 at the No. 3 court.

After a six-match road swing, Northern Kentucky returns to its home courts with two matches this weekend. The Norse face Green Bay on Thursday before hosting the Ospreys on Friday. Northern Kentucky has gone 4-6 thus far this season and has won its last two matches.

Currently, UNF is scheduled to play Lipscomb on Thursday at 11 a.m., EST, and Northern Kentucky on Friday at 2 p.m. Weather could alter this weekend's schedule, so check back to www.UNFOspreys.com for the latest information.