Lauren Seaman and Tiffany Tucker headline the LSU women’s tennis team this weekend, jumping into No. 48 on the doubles rankings list.
The duo upset Tulsa’s No. 57 team of Daniela Muscolino and Carla Zabaleta 9-7 last weekend, despite falling behind 6-3 early in the match.
The victory, which improved the duo’s record to 6-0 on the season, helped spur the Lady Tigers to a 6-1 win against the Golden Hurricane.
The Lady Tigers have won two consecutive matches since losing their first game of the season at Rice.
Seaman and Tucker face off against Texas A&M’s No. 41 doubles team of Helga Vieira and Anna Lubinsky Saturday. Coach Tony Minnis said it could be the most important match-up of the day.
“As always, winning the doubles point is going to be big in this match,” Minnis said. “We have taken big steps in that area, and having Lauren and Tiffany ranked in the top-50 is a good start.”
Texas A&M (2-8) is better than its record, according to Minnis. The Aggies have lost four matches this season by one point.
“A&M’s record is not really reflective of how good of a team they are,” Minnis said. “They have competed against many of the top-15 teams in the country and played them close. I’m hoping that our players don’t take them for granted.”
In addition to being ranked in doubles play, A&M’s Lubinsky also is ranked No. 54 in singles play with a 7-3 record.
Staten Spencer boasts LSU’s best record in singles play at 7-0 on the season.
This is the last non-conference match for the Lady Tigers before Southeastern Conference play begins. Minnis said he expects nothing short of a battle Saturday.
“Outside of conference, Texas A&M is probably one of our biggest rivals that we compete against,” Minnis said. “It’s always a battle, and I expect nothing different this year.”
Minnis said college tennis is a big deal in College Station, Texas. The Aggies play in a stadium that accommodates both the men’s and women’s team and Minnis said he expects 1,000 fans at the match.
“It’s chaotic and you have to prepare your team for that,” Minnis said. “It’s a great experience for the players.”