Blue and Red Rivalry Renewed in Provo

PROVO -- The No. 31 BYU women's tennis team (8-5) will host the Utes from the University of Utah (8-4) Friday in the first conference match of the season for either team.

"It's going to be a tough match, but I'm really looking forward to it actually," BYU head coach Craig Manning said. "It feels like we're a little bit more rested and I just feel good about it. It's going to be fun and exciting and the girls are really getting on top of their games. I don't know how else to say it, we just keep getting better."

The dual match will likely feature a rematch of the semifinals of the BYU Invitational that took place in September. In that match, BYU senior Lauren Jones upset then No.79 Elizabeth Ferris in three sets after losing the first set in a tiebreaker. Ferris is currently ranked No. 114 and Jones will look to repeat September's results on Friday.

The Cougars as a team are coming off a 5-2 home loss to No. 2 Notre Dame and are anxious to get back to their winning ways. The Utes bring a four-match win streak and six dual-match sweeps to Provo and are looking to break back into the national rankings with an upset over BYU.

Friday's match will begin with doubles play at 4 p.m. at the BYU outdoor tennis courts. In the case of inclement weather, the match will move to the indoor facility adjacent to the outdoor courts. Admission to the match is free and BYU "Y Lot" parking is available to visitors after 4 p.m.