North Texas Daily

By Brett Medeiros / Intern –

The UNT tennis team will try to snap its four-game losing streak when it hosts the Utah State Aggies at 2 p.m. today at the Mean Green Village.

The Mean Green has not won since defeating the Oklahoma State Cowgirls Jan. 23, while the Aggies have won two straight.

Three of four losses were against higher ranked opponents.

“I believe in our preparation,” said head coach Sujay Lama. “These kids have put in tough work, and we’ve faced stiff competition.”

For the last two weeks, the Mean Green has battled issues with its lineup. Senior Madura Ranganathan has been out of the lineup because of illness since the ITA Kick-Off Weekend, and junior Nadia Lee recently returned to the court after her battle with an illness.

“I surprised myself with the first match when I came back,” Lee said. “When I was playing, I didn’t feel too much off track. When you’ve been sick, it’s nice to feel like you haven’t been set back.”

After the Mean Green was upset by unranked Wichita State Feb. 11, Lama said UNT is not underestimating any team.

“We respect every opponent we play,” Lama said. “We focus on what we are doing to prepare. It’ll be exciting.”

With conference play two weeks away, the team is trying to gain momentum with a string of wins.

“These kids are tired of losing,” Lama said. “They are itching to get a win out there.”

Two players to watch are senior Irina Paraschiv and Lee. Lee is playing her second match since being out because of illness and Paraschiv has notched a point in each of UNT’s last three contests.

“We are capable of taking it to the next level,” Lee said. “We’ve all worked hard, and I think it’s going to pay off.”