BILLINGS, Mont. – With a conference victory under their belt and two more regular season matches on the schedule, the Montana State University Billings women's tennis team will conclude Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action this weekend by hosting Colorado Christian and Colorado Mesa at the Elks Tennis Center.
 
On Friday, the Yellowjackets will welcome the Cougars with a 9 a.m. start time. MSUB will then take on Colorado Mesa on Saturday again with a 9 a.m. start time. Both matches will take place at the Elks Tennis Center in Billings, while the Yellowjacket men's tennis team will face the same two opponents with the same start times at the MSUB Tennis Courts on the MSUB campus.
 
"The women are going into these matches with confidence and determination for a higher ranking in the RMAC," commented MSUB head coach Becky King. "They are coming off of a great win against Metro, and I am hopeful for another successful weekend. Both matches will be tough but the women are playing very well and we will have the home court advantage this time."
 
After opening RMAC play last weekend on the road, the Yellowjackets (2-9, 1-2 RMAC) will conclude the regular season with the two matches this weekend. Most recently, MSUB lost to Colorado State University – Pueblo 7-2 on April 4 after defeating Metro State 5-4 and losing to Western New Mexico 7-2 the day before.
 
Senior Emily Paffhausen was a catalyst for the 'Jackets in the victory, as she and Mary Conwell teamed up for a big 9-7 victory at No. 2 doubles. Paffhausen also solidified the team win with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6 singles.
 
Overall, Paffhausen has won her last six matches and is tied for the team lead in singles wins with four on the season. She has also added four victories in her doubles play, and with eight overall wins leads the team.
 
"Emily is having a great conference season," King said. "She fights in every match and has set a great example for the rest of the team. I expect great things out of her and Mary as doubles partners on the court."
 
Conwell has been victorious in her last three doubles appearances as she and Paffhausen have provided stability at the No. 2 position this season. Conwell also has a pair of victories at the No. 5 singles position for the Yellowjackets.
 
Stepping up in her first collegiate season has been freshman Ricquel Ramsbottom, who has matched Paffhausen for the team lead in singles wins with four on the year. Ramsbottom has picked up two victories since moving up to No. 4 singles, and she has also been on the winning end twice in doubles play for the 'Jackets.
 
Morgan Opp has contributed with a pair of victories in doubles, and she and Hannah Shephard have consistently battled for MSUB playing in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions all season long.
 
Friday, April 10 – 9 a.m. – Elks Tennis Center
Colorado Christian University Cougars
2015 Spring Record: 5-6, 0-2 RMAC
Head Coach: John Goodrich
 
Having dropped three matches in a row, the Cougars will look to rebound on Friday against the 'Jackets. Last week, CCU lost to CSU-Pueblo 7-2 and to Western New Mexico 9-0 in Colorado.
 
The last victory for the Cougars came against Hastings College (Neb.) on March 28, as CCU picked up a solid 8-1 victory.
 
Three Cougars have won three matches in singles play this season, with Paige Crews taking the lead with a 3-1 record all at the No. 1 position. Katy Balli (3-4) and Jennifer Perkins (3-4) have also shown leadership for the Cougars.
 
In doubles play, Balli and Perkins have slotted into the No. 1 position and posted a 3-4 record on the season. Crews and Cameron Shelby have also been an effective combination for head coach John Goodrich, posting a 3-1 record at No. 2 doubles.
 
The Series: The Yellowjackets are 10-7 alltime against Colorado Christian, and won the first eight meetings between the teams early on in the series. Friday's contest will be the first-ever at home for the 'Jackets against CCU.
 
Last Time Out: The Cougars picked up wins in each of last season's meetings, both times emerging the victor by the score of 5-4 in April of 2014.
 
Saturday, April 11 – 9 a.m. – Elks Tennis Center
Colorado Mesa University Mavericks
2015 Spring Record: 5-8, 1-1 RMAC
Head Coach: Dan MacDonald, 10th season
 
The Mavericks snapped a three-match losing skid by picking up a big 6-3 victory over Metro State last week in Denver.
 
The Mavericks have three players who have posted double-digit wins in singles action, with Rachel McLaughlin leading the pack with 11. Amy Beeston (10-10) and Natalie Martin (10-13) are also in the category with the latter having won seven matches at the No. 1 position.
 
In doubles action, Beeston and Emily Dodson have contributed a team-best 11 wins with five coming at the No. 2 position. Katie Kirby and Martin have also been a strong duo in doubles play with a 10-10 record, and McLaughlin and Kristyn Wykert have gone 8-12 including 6-9 at No. 1 doubles.
 
The Mavericks had a four-match winning streak from March 24-29, during which they dropped only two points while winning 33.
 
The Series: The 'Jackets and Mavericks have met on five previous occasions, with CMU winning all five. This will be the second time the teams play in Billings, with CMU winning the first contest 9-0 on March 29, 2013.
 
Last Time Out: Colorado Mesa cruised to victory last season, picking up a 9-0 win on April 12, 2014 in Colorado.