LSU’s quest for its first Southeastern Conference victory continues on the road at Mississippi this weekend.
The Tigers (9-8, 0-5 SEC) will battle No. 22 Mississippi State (13-7, 3-3 SEC) on Friday afternoon before rounding out their weekend against Ole Miss (4-8, 2-4 SEC) on Sunday.
After several close conference losses, LSU coach Jeff Brown said the adversity the Tigers have endured during the season will help their resolve when they find themselves in tough matches.
“I think they’ve created a better mindset as the year’s gone on,” Brown said. “I think they’re more determined. We’re going in there expecting good results. They’re not really wanting to accept anything less.”
With just seven SEC matches remaining, the Tigers are searching for momentum to finish the season strong. 
Fresh off SEC Freshman of the Week honors, Justin Butsch has been the spark plug LSU has needed. Butsch looks to continue his undefeated singles play in conference and improve upon his 9-4 record in Mississippi this weekend.
“He’s the kind of kid that plays with so much energy,” Brown said. “He’s earned [SEC Freshman of the Week.] He’s playing so hard and good things have happened.”
This weekend’s slate of matches presents a matchup that has been favorable for the Tigers all season. Both the Bulldogs and Rebels’ squads are predominantly comprised of international players, with Ole Miss’s Zach Wilder, an Oxford native, being the only American between the two teams.
In 2014, LSU’s record is 8-3 when playing teams with six or more international players on its roster. When the Tigers’ opponent has had three international players or less, LSU is 0-5.
“Tennis is an international sport,” Brown said. “There’s players that are very high level, and there’s only so many Americans of a high enough level to fill spots on teams. It’s just the sport itself.”
The two international players on LSU’s roster, junior Chris Simpson of England and sophomore Boris Arias of Bolivia, happen to be doubles partners and two of the most-seasoned Tigers.
Brown said regardless of what nationality stands on the other side of the net, beginning Friday, LSU will strive to gain some traction before its last home stand of the season next weekend.
“Basically, they need to get on a roll,” Brown said. “They realize at some point we’re going to have to put a couple of big matches together. I don’t sense them pressing right now. I think they did in a couple matches, but now they’re going out with attention to detail and controlling what they can.”