MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis team will face its second stretch of three matches in three days this season when it hosts a pair of matches then goes on the road for a third, starting Wednesday.

The run starts with home matches Wednesday and Thursday against Miami (Ohio) and No. 61 Old Dominion, respectively, at 1 p.m., followed by a clash Friday with Georgia Southern Friday at 2 p.m. in Troy, Ala.

The Jaguars, ranked No. 45 this week by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, have won their last four matches and are currently 14-4 on the year.

"I'm excited," said USA head coach Jaco Keyser. "It seems that every match is a great challenge and we have a tough schedule that should prepare us for postseason play."

In February, South Alabama went to California and faced No. 60 San Jose State, San Francisco and Santa Clara, all in a span of three days. The Jags won the first two before falling to Santa Clara.

"I think this is good practice for us to go through that mental routine," Keyser said. "Physically we're good; we're ready to play three days in a row, but sometimes from a mental standpoint, staying in a routine and rhythm for that third day is just as important, and that's something we're trying to learn."

The Jaguars have three players with double-digit win streaks of 10 or more, led by freshman Alexandria Stiteler (Bradenton, Fla.), who has won her last 14 outings, all at the top two flights, and is currently ranked No. 65 in the nation. Junior Laura Matuskova (Bratislava, Slovakia) is currently on a 12-match run, while senior Cinta Maria Papke (Flein, Germany) is unbeaten in her last 10 matches.

"It builds scoreboard pressure and that's so important, but overall everyone has contributed," Keyser noted. "Some of the big matches we've had, different people have stepped up, but it's nice that they're on a streak and hopefully they can continue that."

Wednesday's meeting will be just the second in the series between the two schools, and the RedHawks' third-straight ranked opponent. Miami (5-6) dropped the previous two matches – to No. 53 Georgia State and No. 56 Winthrop – following a three-match win streak.

ODU will be USA's sixth ranked opponent this season (2-3 record), while the Jags will be the Monarchs' eighth (4-3). South Alabama holds a 5-0 record against Old Dominion (9-5), with two wins coming against a ranked Monarchs' squad, including a 4-3 victory in the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

Georgia Southern (9-5) has won four of its last six matches. Friday's match will be the second-ever meeting between the two schools, with both matches taking place on a neutral court. Last year the Jags blanked the Eagles 7-0.

"They're all tough opponents," Keyser said. "It's becoming a trend in college women's tennis that the margins are so small. You see upsets around the country so you just have to be ready to play."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

—USA—