Houston Tennis Rides Perfect Start into Weekend Homestand Against UTSA and SFA
The University of Houston tennis team aims to continue its dominant form this weekend, hosting UTSA on Friday and SFA on Sunday at the Barbara Wallace Winston Tennis Facility. Following a schedule adjustment due to anticipated weather, the Cougars will face UTSA at 1 p.m. on Friday and SFA at 2 p.m. on Sunday, with live streams and statistics available online.
Cougars Maintain Undefeated Streak
Houston enters the weekend with a perfect 7-0 record, having recently swept both New Mexico (4-0) and UTRGV (7-0) in a doubleheader. This marks the best start to a season for the program since 2018 and the first time in program history the team has achieved seven consecutive sweeps.
Key Players Driving Houston’s Success
Sophie Schouten and Chems Doha Zeghlouli have proven to be a formidable doubles pairing, securing victories in both of their recent matches. Alongside Krokhotina, the duo remained undefeated throughout the recent matches. In singles play, juniors Elizavata Morozova and Singing Drama contributed to capturing the doubles point against UTRGV, while freshman Alexia Lavinia Puiac and Drama added crucial singles points.
Coaching and Roster Enhancements
This season marks the second under Head Coach Katarina Adamovic, who returns five starters from the previous year. The coaching staff has been bolstered by the addition of former Missouri women’s tennis head coach Chris Wootton as an assistant coach and six-time All-WAC performer Saint Strombacha as a graduate assistant. The team also welcomed Chems Doha Zeghlouli and Singing Drama over the summer, and Alexia Lavinia Puiac in December, adding depth and talent to the roster.
Scouting UTSA
UTSA arrives in Houston with a 4-1 record, their only defeat a narrow 4-3 loss to Abilene Christian. The Roadrunners boast strong doubles pairings in Natalia Castaneda/Giuliana Giardina and Celine Absawi/Laia Tarazona Peyro, each with two wins on courts one and three, respectively. Aoka Nagasawa currently leads UTSA in singles play with a pair of wins on court five.
Historically, Houston holds a 10-3 advantage over UTSA, but the Roadrunners have claimed the last three meetings. Last season’s contest in San Antonio ended in a 4-3 loss for the Cougars, with Krokhotina and junior VAT Sepa securing points for Houston.
Facing SFA
SFA enters the weekend with an 0-2 record, having suffered 5-2 losses to both Abilene Christian and North Texas. Sonja Rooth is currently 2-0 on court three for the Ladyjacks. Houston has dominated the series against SFA, maintaining a perfect 9-0 record, including a 7-0 sweep in their most recent meeting on February 12, 2023. In that victory, Schouten contributed to both the doubles and singles points.
Supporting the Cougars
Fans interested in supporting the Houston Tennis program can contribute through NIL opportunities and by joining the Center Court Club, which provides financial support beyond the team’s operating budget.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates, fans can follow @UHCougarTennis on X (formerly Twitter), like the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarTennis, or visit their Instagram page at @uhcougartennis.
– UHCougars.com –
