The No. 23 Crimson Tide started off the season with a 4-3 loss to No. 15 University of Texas on Jan. 28. However, they bounced back a day later with an impressive 4-1 win against the University of Arizona. Even though the Tide hasn’t played since Jan. 29, they will hope to ride that momentum into this Saturday’s matchup with Rice University. “We do have momentum going into this weekend,” head coach Jenny Mainz said. “We played with a lot of confidence and a lot of authority against Arizona. I really feel like we’ll be ready this weekend.” Although the Rice Owls are ranked No. 69 in the country, Coach Mainz said she believes they are very underrated as a women’s tennis program. “They’re good,” Mainz said. “They had a big win over LSU 5-2, they had a good win over FIU, and they’re very well coached. They’re not 69 in the country; they’re a good, solid team. It just goes back to the fact that you’ve got to prepare the same every week, and you can’t overlook anyone.” With Rice being a quality opponent, the Crimson Tide is focusing on every aspect of preparation for this weekend’s match. “We’re working week to week on our fine tuning,” Mainz said. “The way I measure our program is by how much better we get each and every week. If we’re improving not just our weaknesses, but also enhancing our strengths, then good things are going to happen,” The Crimson Tide has perhaps one of the best problems a team could have – too much depth. Coach Mainz said she has confidence in every one of her eight players. “Alexa Guarachi has been playing really well,” Mainz said. “We moved her up to number one, and she is very capable of playing number one. Mary Anne Macfarlane is a stout number one as well, and they both play with the mindset needed for that position. I’d have to say that everyone is playing really well. They all want to be here, and I have eight players that could all play in the lineup.” With this weekend’s match being the first home match of the season for the Tide, the team is more than ready to get out and play. “We’re excited. We’ve been on the road for a long time, and we’re ready to play on our home courts,” Coach Mainz said. The Crimson Tide plays Rice University this Friday at 1 p.m.