WTEN CENTRAL: Lady Vols at NC State

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Tennessee women's tennis team returns to the courts on Thursday afternoon, facing NC State at J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center in a 1 p.m. match.

The Lady Vols (9-0) are coming off a big road win at Indiana on Sunday and will be looking to build off the momentum of their early season play. Despite being on the longest winning streak since 2001, head coach Alison Ojeda believes the results on the court aren't the only thing contributing to the impressive start.

"Our confidence is high, but I am a coach that tries to make sure that our confidence doesn't just come from winning and losing," said Ojeda. "From a preparation standpoint, it is definitely high. We all know what winning does for us, but all our girls believe in each other right now. That probably gives them the most confidence. They all know they're ready to go once they get on the court.

"The irony is that I was here as a student-athlete during that season. As a coach, I am proud to get back to that. That ended up being one of our best seasons. There's not much that separates our team this year and that 2001 team. Of course, you have to have some certain talent. What this year's team has that was the same as the previous team is the fight and the character. When we stepped out on the court, we knew every single one of us would do whatever to win. We weren't thinking how to win, but we went out and compete and ran down balls and did whatever it took. When you start to compete like that on a daily basis, it's inevitable. I would absolutely love to the record get broken."

The Wolfpack (3-3) has won three of its four matches and is undefeated at home on the year. Thursday's matchup will be just the fifth meeting all time between the two programs, with the most recent coming in 1997.

Another big factor behind the early season success has been Tennessee's even lineup. From top to bottom, the lineup in singles is one of the best UT's had in recent years, bolstered by several experienced players from last year's squad and even several talented newcomers.

"We have had some players stand out this past week," said Ojeda. "Sadie Hammond is a player who wants to compete against our opponents best player every match. There are no off days if you are that person. Gabby Schuck is constantly in a battle, no matter who her opponent is. She's always putting herself in a position to standpoint. Ariadna Riley is an unbelievable competitor. The way she believes in herself and team is evident when she steps out on the court."

For the most up-to-date information about the Tennessee women's tennis program, follow @Vol_WTennis on Twitter.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Thursday's match will mark only the fifth meeting between the Lady Vols and NC State. The most recent matchup came in an 8-1 win for UT in 1997. Tennessee holds a 4-0 lead in the all-time series.

LAST WEEKEND: The Lady Vols opened the week with a pair of 4-0 shutout wins over Cleveland State and Akron as part of a doubleheader on Friday. UT capped off the weekend with a come-from-behind 4-3 win over undefeated Indiana on the road.

HISTORIC START: The Lady Vols' nine consecutive wins to open this season marks the program's best start since 1990, when UT won 10 straight to begin the year. Tennessee's current stretch also stands as the longest winning streak since 2001, when junior Alison Ojeda and the Lady Volunteers strung together 11 straight wins.

ROAD TRIP: Over the next month (Feb. 9-March 9), Tennessee will play nine matches in a row across the country before returning home against South Carolina on March 16. During the away stretch, the Vols will play matches in Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

UP NEXT: UT heads to Fort Myers, Fla., next weekend for matches against Georgia State (Feb. 24) and Florida Gulf Coast (Feb. 25) before starting conference play the following week.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Sadie Hammond

Ariadna Riley

Gabby Schuck

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