W. Tennis to take on Princeton

Quakers looking toQuakers looking toprove themselves againstQuakers looking toprove themselves againsthigher-ranked Tigers Although the Penn women's tennis team defeated Princeton last season and finished the the year ahead of the Tigers in the Ivy League standings, Princeton came into the spring season with a higher Eastern ranking than the Quakers. So when Penn (4-3, 0-0 Ivy League) heads to Princeton to to take on the Tigers (1-3, 0-0) tomorrow at 1 p.m., the Quakers have something to prove to both the Ivy League and the Eastern region. The Quakers are coming off an impressive win over Syracuse last weekend, and hopes run high heading into the Ivy League season. The young team, which has four freshman competing on a regular basis, has gained much-needed experience against several tough opponents outside of the league and is confident about continuing its recent success. Last year Penn finished tied for second in the league, but with the team rebuilt, the Quakers plan to make a run for the title this year. The Tigers had injury problems in February and have just returned from a disappointing 1-3 road trip to California during spring break. However, Princeton has gotten over its injuries and will try to turn around its season with a win in its first Ivy League matchup. "They're going to be ready to play," Penn coach Cissie Leary said. Princeton is led by senior and four-year No. 1 singles player Bridget Mikysa. However, the team is strong down the line, and will present a good challenge to the very deep Penn team. "They are very similar to our team and match up well," Leary said. "Everyone on our team could win or lose." The Quakers are definitely hoping for a win at No. 1 doubles because the Penn duo of Lara Afanassiev and Julia Feldman already defeated the top doubles team from Princeton earlier this year. That match took place in the first round of the Princeton Invitational in February, where Penn was victorious in a difficult two-set contest. Although the Princeton match is always difficult for the Quakers, they are definitely confident about their chances this time. "We can beat Princeton," said Penn co-captain Preety Sorathia. "They better watch out."