Women's tennis team No. 16 Auburn is set to challenge rival No. 24 Alabama in Tuscaloosa at 5 p.m. on Friday, marking the first of three crucial road matches. The team is focused on maintaining concentration and taking it point by point, aiming to secure advantageous positions for the upcoming tournament.

By the Numbers
  • Auburn recently triumphed over No. 4 Georgia in a thrilling 4-3 victory, with fifth-year senior Carolyn Ansari clinching the winning point.
  • Ansari boasts an impressive overall record of 17-9 and a dual match record of 11-5, securing a career-high No. 7 ranking in the latest singles rankings.
Yes, But

Alabama, despite a recent losing streak, presents a tough challenge with Loudmilla Bencheikh's consistent performance and their strong doubles team.

State of Play
  • Alabama enters the match with a 14-6 overall record and a 5-5 SEC mark, ranking eighth in the conference.
  • Bencheikh, ranked 49th in singles by the ITA, faces recent struggles but remains a formidable opponent at No. 1 singles.
  • Alabama's top doubles team, Bencheikh and Anne Marie Hiser, holds a 10-3 dual match record and is nationally ranked at No. 13 by the ITA.
What's Next

The upcoming rivalry match promises high stakes as Auburn aims to maintain momentum and secure crucial victories on the road.

Bottom Line

As Auburn prepares to face Alabama in a pivotal match, the team's focus on strategic play and individual achievements could hold the key to securing a crucial win on the road.