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DALLAS (SMU) - The SMU women's tennis team (9-8) returns home this weekend to face American Conference rival East Carolina (12-6) Saturday, March 31, at the SMU Tennis Complex. The match is set to begin at noon.
 
The Mustangs split two Conference road matches last weekend in New Orleans, falling 4-0 to No. 23 Tulsa before earning a 4-2 win over Tulane. Liza Buss and Ana Perez-Lopez paired to earn doubles wins in both matches and begin a three-match win streak.  Perez-Lopez and Karina Traxler each lead the Mustangs with 10 wins each.
 
SCOUTING ECU:
East Carolina (12-6) will play Houston before coming to Dallas for its sixth conference matchup. The Pirates are led by No. 63 Celia Ruiz and her 11-3 record at No. 1 singles. The junior is a team-best 10-6 in doubles play, partnering mostly with sophomore Lisa Hofbauer. The Pirates are on a two-match win streak, defeating Richmond at home and Charlotte on the road last weekend.
 
SERIES HISTORY:
SMU holds a perfect 3-0 record against ECU dating back to the first meeting in 2011. The teams last met in 2017 during the American Athletic Conference quarterfinals in a 4-1 win for the Mustangs.
 
East Carolina (3-0)
Home: 1-0, Away: 0-0, Neutral: 2-0
4/22/11..............N.............W...............4-0
3/21/15..............H.............W...............4-0
4/20/17..............N.............W...............4-1
 
LAST TIME OUT:
The Mustangs earned their ninth win of the season on Sunday with a 4-2 win over American Conference rival Tulane (8-10) at the City Park Pepsi Tennis Center.
 
SMU jumped to a strong start, earning the doubles point for the 11th time this season. Karina Traxler and Sarai Monarrez Yesaki picked up their eighth win of the spring at the top position, a 6-3 decision over Sade Atkinson and Laura Fabrizi. Liza Buss and Ana Perez-Lopez followed with a 6-4 win on court two to clinch the match.
 
The Green Wave countered in singles, earning a straight set win on court five to even the score, 1-1. However, SMU regained the lead on a 6-2, 7-5 win from Ana Perez-Lopez and wouldn't fall behind again in the match.
 
Karina Traxler earned her 10th win of the season for SMU's third point, a 6-0, 7-5 win over Ivone Alvaro. Tulane added to their total with a straight set win on court six, but couldn't overpower the Mustangs. Liza Buss clinched the match with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 win at No. 1 singles.
 
The Mustangs improve to a dominant 28-15 (.651) in doubles play during dual match season.
 
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Mustangs play their final road match of the season against UT Arlington on Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m.
 
FOLLOW THE MUSTANGS:
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Mustangs by following SMU Women's Tennis on Twitter at @SMUTennis, Instagram at @SMUWomensTennis and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SMUTennisW. Follow SMU Athletics on Twitter at @SMUMustangs or Instagram at SMU.Mustangs.