RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's (UTRGV) #6 women's tennis team is set to face the #3 UT Arlington Mavericks at 3 p.m. Thursday in the first round of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tennis Tournament at the HEB Tennis Center at Pendleton Park in Harlingen. 
 
The Vaqueros (10-11) feel they're in a good spot heading into the postseason, especially excited to play at a facility they're comfortable with. UTRGV has held a few free youth clinics at the tennis center and held open practices, so they're used to the courts, and of course the heat and humidity of the Valley in April could give opponents problems while the Vaqueros are accustomed to the tough conditions. 
 
UT Arlington won the regular season match between these teams, 5-2, in March. But the Vaqueros are heading into the tournament after back-to-back wins to close the season and are feeling loose and ready to go. 
 
"We're feeling pretty confident right now. It's always great to finish the regular season strong and now to play on our home turf," head coach West Nott said. "The wind is different, it's hot, it's always difficult for teams in the first round of a conference tournament because no one knows what to expect, but we've been here, so hopefully we'll take advantage of it." 
 
The Vaqueros have focused on doubles play and mental toughness to prepare for a run in the tournament. With All-WAC honoree Marjorie Souza leading the way on the courts, the Vaqueros know they have a tough roster and are preparing hard to put their best out there during every match.  
 
"I see the team with a lot of energy, we've been hitting the ball great, so I think good things are going to happen here," Nott said. "The message is don't give too much respect to your opponent. Believe that you can win and get it done. Trust the work you've been putting in. We've been getting better each day, we've been practicing a lot of doubles, so if we are really mature on the court and have great emotional discipline, I think great things are going to happen." 

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