The last time the WSU tennis team took the court to compete it wasn’t exactly a back-and-forth contest. The Cougars (15-7, 1-5 in Pac-12) were dominated on the road by two powerhouse programs in USC and UCLA, but today the Cougars get the chance to regain some momentum in front of their home crowd.

The no. 48 ranked Washington State tennis team begins its two-match home stand at 11 a.m. against the Pepperdine Waves, who are currently ranked 29th and undefeated in WCC play (4-0). Following the match is a rivalry showdown Friday morning with the Washington Huskies.

As the regular season nears its end, WSU Head Coach Lisa Hart said she knows her team can’t afford to have an off day if they want to make a postseason appearance.

“We are at the point of our season where our postseason chances are very dependent on the outcome of these matches,” Hart said. “Our players have worked hard all year for these opportunities. Each player has worked on some individual aspects depending on what has and hasn’t been working in their individual games.”

The Pepperdine Waves are fresh off wins against San Diego (6-9 2-3 WCC) 5-0 and No. 51 BYU (8-7, 4-1 WCC) 5-2.

No. 25 ranked junior Lorraine Guillermo of Pepperdine was named both the WCC Singles Player of the Week and the Doubles Team of the Week along with teammate freshman Apichaya Runglerdkriangkrai. This is the fourth time this season the Waves have swept the awards in both singles and doubles.

Following a 4-0 loss at the hands No. 12 USC, the University of Washington is still working to get a Pac-12 win.

Since Washington’s No. 22 ranked Denise Dy graduated in 2012, the Huskies have yet to have a player enter the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings. Facing WSU No. 106 ranked junior Elizaveta Luzina in No. 1 singles will most likely be Husky sophomore Elianne Douglas-Miron from Ottawa, Canada.

Luzina leads the team with 26 singles victories this season, and joining her with 20-plus singles wins are sophomores Maria Biryukova, Lize Leenknecht, and Dajana Ognjenovic.

The matches will be played on the WSU Outdoor Courts, weather permitting.

“Getting Cougs to come and support us truly makes a difference, even if you can’t stay the entire time please come for lunch and enjoy some tennis,” Hart said. “Our players have had a solid week of practice and are ready for these two matches this week.”