TEMPE, Ariz. -- After nearly finishing the upset over No. 17 Pepperdine on Monday, the Arizona State women's tennis team returns home to get back to business.
The Sun Devils start back-to-back duals on Saturday against San Jose State at noon, followed by a showdown with No. 38 Long Beach State on Sunday at 11 a.m. MT.
"Coming off a tough loss against Pepperdine, we have to make sure the kids spirits are up and working hard and competing," head coach Sheila McInerney said. "We're going to have to compete well to win this weekend."
In March of 2015, the women defeated SJSU 7-0. Both Stephanie Vlad and Gussie O'Sullivan went the distance, needing the third and final set to help with the shutout.
"We've played San Jose State last year, and while we beat them handedly score wise, all the matches were close," McInerney said. "They had a very good win this year over (current No. 61) Hawaii who has beaten some good teams. I expect a really good match from them. They're very feisty and all international, so we're going to have to be ready on Saturday if we want to play well."
The women are undefeated at home this season, winning three-straight with 6-1, 6-1 and 7-0 victories under their belt.
Through six games, doubles have only lost one point as the Sun Devil women have won the initial point in five-straight games.
"I thought we got off to a good start in the doubles (vs. Pepperdine)," McInerney said. "Some good things in the singles (too), but like I said, I just don't think we finished our matches. When we get a lead, we have to extend it and look to be aggressive doing that. Good players aren't going to give you anything, so you have to go out there and take it.
"I think we just didn't finish the way we needed to against Pepperdine. and if you want to get better, you have to make sure you're finishing matches."
Finishing strong mentally and physically will be the key this weekend before the women head to No. 5 Ohio State in just over a week.
Admission to the matches this weekend is free at Whiteman Tennis Center. Parking is free in Lot 59.