After being shut out in both of its first two Southeastern Conference matches Friday and Sunday, the LSU women’s tennis team hosts the University of Kentucky today at W.T. ‘Dub’ Robinson Stadium.
The No. 41 Lady Tigers (7-3, 0-2) return home after a two-game road trip this past weekend to Knoxville, Tenn., and Athens, Ga. The team was swept 7-0 by both No. 29 University of Tennessee and No. 23 University of Georgia.
“We learned a lot about our team over this road trip, but it’s time for the learning to stop,” said LSU coach Tony Minnis. “I believe these past few losses have really helped our team realize some of the mistakes we’ve been making.”
Minnis said the team has put itself in good positions but needs to capitalize on the opportunities they have.
“In the matches we have lost, we are 0-9 in three set matches,” Minnis said. “That hurts the team a lot. If we can win in those sets, it would put us in better position to win.”
No. 27 Kentucky (8-6, 1-1) enters today’s match after splitting its first two SEC matches against Auburn University on March 3 and No. 55 University of Alabama on March 5.
Minnis said the Wildcats always play the Lady Tigers very well and always seem to come prepared.
“Every year it is a battle against this team,” Minnis said.
The Lady Tigers last win against Kentucky came in 2004 in a 4-3 final. Last year LSU was shut out 7-0 to the then-No. 3 Wildcats.
LSU assistant coach Lisa Jackson said she believes the team is ready to come out and play.
“After you lose a tough match like we did, you want to come out and score,” Jackson said. “This team is hungry to come out and show what they can do.”
The Lady Tigers begin play today at 4 p.m.
 
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