The WSU women’s tennis team will open up Pac-12 play this weekend and will host the Colorado Buffaloes and Utah Utes in Pullman.

Fresh off their victory against Boise State, the No. 53 Cougars (12-2) are hungry to continue winning and climb higher in the rankings.

“They are excited about opening conference play and playing at home,” Head Coach Lisa Hart said. “Our players are happy with our results so far but they are nowhere near satisfied.”

The WSU women’s tennis team is set for a tough matchup today at 11 a.m. against a No. 54 Colorado (7-4) team that recently pulled off multiple upsets against ranked opponents such as Wichita State and Denver. After recently being unranked, the Buffaloes have jumped into the rankings.

Hart and the Cougars are familiar with facing ranked opponents as they have defeated Fresno State and San Diego this season.

“We will continue preparing the way we have been,” Hart said. “I’ve been very impressed with the consistent hard work our players have been putting in each day.  They thrive in competitive situations and love match day.”

On Saturday, the Cougars will face off against No. 44 Utah (6-2), a team that is fresh off a decisive victory against New Mexico.

For the Cougars, the Buffaloes and Utes are just obstacles that stand in the way of their goal of becoming a team to be reckoned with.

“Win. We want to keep moving up in the rankings, and the best way to that is to keep winning,” Hart said.

With junior Elizaveta Luzina taking the helm at No. 1 in singles for the Cougars, at least one victory is almost guaranteed, but WSU women’s tennis is a team and the members either win or lose together.

“Our Team wants to find four points to secure the team win. Our players don’t care where the points come from and don’t care what position they are in the line-up,” Hart said. “It is truly a collective effort, and I like how united our team is. Everyone is on board and pulling in the same direction. This is a special group, and every day is a new opportunity to get closer to our goals.”

There won’t be much time to rest after this weekend as Eastern Washington and Lewis-Clark State will be in Pullman on Tuesday.