The Virginia women's tennis team is gearing up for two matches this weekend at the Snyder Tennis Center -- with No. 10 Duke and No. 5 North Carolina.
Ranked No. 43, the Cavaliers currently stand at their highest ranking in the past two years.
"I think it'll be a tough match for the team," freshman Amanda Rales said. "But everyone's willing to put forth the effort to get a win."
After upsetting Texas Christian University last week, the Cavaliers hope to carry that momentum forward this weekend. The mindset for Virginia has been the same for the last few weeks: Put the pressure on the higher ranked team.
"Everyone's pretty excited even though we have a tough schedule coming up," Rales said. "We played our games against Clemson and Georgia Tech closely, and then we beat TCU."
The Cavaliers have not played a team ranked lower than No. 30 in the last month. Nonetheless, they have been able to challenge each team and create close matches. Against No. 13 Georgia Tech, Virginia pushed the Yellow Jackets before falling 4-3.
"It's a huge weekend in terms of the competition coming in," coach Mark Guilbeau said.
Even though UNC and Duke stand as the highest ranked teams the Cavaliers have seen, Guilbeau sees the opponents as another opportunity for the Cavaliers to raise their game to the next level.
"It's just a couple matches," Guilbeau said. "We're concerned with playing to our best level. The most important part is that the team implements their skills to the best level possible and the greatest effort possible."
Leading the Cavaliers this season is the doubles team of seniors Kristen James and Lori Stern. Ranked No. 15 in the country, the tandem is at its highest ranking in the four-year partnership. For the Cavaliers to claim victory, these two must step up and lead the team.
"Lori and Kristen have been awesome," Rales said. "Doubles points are important, and everyone has to have a good day."
The Cavaliers will also need a strong effort from their younger players, like Rales and sophomore Lindsey Pereira, who were instrumental in the upset over TCU.
Guilbeau emphasized the long-term progress the team has made. He praised the team for their endurance and continued ability to compete.
"The team sees the big-picture -- the process of all this," he said. "If they keep playing hard and well, win or lose, it'll ultimately lead to good results.
When it comes down to fundamentals, Guilbeau believes it is the pure desire to improve that makes a player improve. Each player holds her destiny in her hands.
"It's a choice for these players," Guilbeau said. "Everyone has opportunities and the ability to work hard at games. Players who work the hardest have the best results and the best progress."
After this weekend, the Cavaliers will be the favorites for the first time in several matches when they take on No. 50 N.C. State. The next day, though, the Cavaliers will revert back to the now-comfortable role of underdog when they challenge No. 28 Wake Forest.
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