The University of Utah women’s tennis team is preparing to start its Big 12 conference schedule this week with two matches against ranked opponents. The Utes, who have a 6-3 record so far this season, will play the No. 47 Houston Cougars on February 26 in Houston and the No. 42 UCF Knights on February 28 in Orlando.
Houston enters the match undefeated at 9-0 in nonconference play, having lost only one singles point all season. In doubles, Elizaveta Morozova and Petja Drame have won all seven of their dual matches at the No. 3 spot, while Chems Doha Zeghlouili and Sophie Schouten have a 6-1 record. In singles, Valeriia Krokhotina and Schouten are both unbeaten at 7-0. The Utes hold a slight edge over Houston historically, leading the series 3-2.
UCF comes into conference play after finishing its nonconference slate with a win over Stetson. The Knights are currently 6-1 overall and have not lost to any Florida opponent this season. They secured the doubles point quickly against Stetson and dropped only one singles match during that contest. Utah has not beaten UCF in their previous two meetings.
Utah’s roster includes returning seniors Dylan Lolofie, Kaila Barksdale, and Emma Valletta; juniors Sara Akid and Emma Kamper; sophomore Hayley Roberts; as well as newcomers Emmie Moore, Kamea Medora, Andjelija Markovic, and Hailey Kerker.
In their most recent matches in Seattle, Utah lost to No. 17 Washington (4-2) despite singles wins from Akid and Barksdale. Against No. 30 San Diego Toreros, Utah clinched the doubles point and saw singles victories from Akid and Kamper.
This season marks Ruth Ann Allen’s first as head coach for Utah women’s tennis. Allen is a former All-American player for Utah and was inducted into the Utah Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2023. She previously led Weber State to a Big Sky Championship last year and was named Big Sky Coach of the Year twice.
Following these conference openers, Utah will return home to face Brigham Young University on March 7 before playing Utah Tech Trailblazers on March 9 in Saint George.
Fans can follow updates about the team on social media platforms including Twitter (@UteWomensTennis), Instagram (@UtahWomensTennis), and Facebook (Facebook.com/Utahwomenstennis).
