The women’s tennis team will be heading to Richmond, Va. this weekend for their first competition of the spring season.

The other competing schools at the VCU 4+1 Invitational are Campbell, Morgan State, and the host, Virginia Commonwealth University. The Owls will play Campbell on Saturday at 11 a.m., VCU on Saturday at 3 p.m., and Morgan State on Sunday at 11 a.m.

The toughest test will be against the Rams, who are currently ranked 46th in the nation. Even though VCU and Temple are in the same conference this year, this will be their only match-up this season. They also met last season, and the Owls lost 1-6.

Each match consists of four singles and two doubles matches, all played at the same time. Despite the tournament setting, these matches will count towards the team’s record.

Coach Steve Mauro said seven or eight of the nine players on the roster will go to the tournament. Mauro expects to win two of the three matches this weekend.

–Evan Cross