COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Two top-10 teams will clash Saturday when No. 10 LSU (9-1) hits the road to take on No. 9 Texas A&M (3-0) at 1 p.m.
“This has turned into one of the biggest rivalries in college tennis,” said LSU head coach Jeff Brown. “It seems like every time we meet we’re both highly ranked and there’s a lot at stake.”
LSU traveled last week to participate in the National Team Indoor Championships, where they earned a win over No. 15 Ohio State. Texas A&M has played only three matches, but one was an upset over No. 8 USC.
LSU’s Ken Skupski brings a 13-match win streak into College Station. The Tigers No. 1 singles player will face 34th-ranked Jerry Makowski. Skupski, ranked fifth in singles and fourth in doubles with Mark Growcott, is the only player in the nation ranked in the top five in both polls.
Growcott, LSU’s No. 2 singles player, has won seven singles matches in a row, his last three over ranked players. He and Skupski beat the No. 1 ranked doubles team in the nation in their last match.
Despite LSU’s momentum, Brown expects a tough match from the Aggies.
“Texas A&M draws some of the largest crowds in college tennis,” Brown said. “But we are looking forward to the challenge.”
LSU won the last match between the two teams, but Texas A&M holds a 20-14 advantage in the series.
Saturday’s match is LSU’s last before beginning conference play the following weekend at Florida and South Carolina.