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MIDLAND, Texas (Tennis) – The inaugural West Texas Collegiate Tennis Shootout begins this weekend and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (4-5) women's tennis will be one of 23 teams competing at the Bush Tennis Center in Midland. Hosted by the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the Javelinas prepare for North Central Texas College (8-0) and New Mexico Military Institute (2-2) on Friday, March 13 and No. 46 Newman University (11-0) on March 14 at the Bush Tennis Center.
 
The Hogs begin the tourney at 9 a.m. with their first ever meeting versus the undefeated Lady Lions. Five hours later, Texas A&M-Kingsville takes on NMMI and the following day, the Javelinas and 11-0 Jets of the Heartland Conference will compete at 10 a.m.
 
Ranked No. 20 in the South Central Region, Mariaxi Herrera is 6-3 in singles No. 1 and 6-3 along with Marija Dimitrovska in doubles No. 1. Undefeated with a 6-0 mark in flight No. 6 is Erika Larrea. Paula Saenz and Dimitrovska each have four wins in singles action.
 
"It is important for us to continue to compete at a high level," said Herrera. "Playing against undefeated and nationally-ranked opponents allows us to become better players. We are committed to improving as a team."
 
TAMUK is 0-1 all-time against the Jets, falling in the inaugural meeting, 7-2 (March 19, 2013). Newman is ranked No. 46 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Poll and No. 6 in the region. Regionally-ranked Lisa Pleskan (No. 17 in region) is 8-2 overall and 7-0 in singles No. 2. Tamar Tskhakaia (9-0) and Carissa Villaflor (7-0) are both undefeated with Tskhakaia boasting a 7-0 mark in singles No. 3 and Villaflor compiling a 7-0 mark in flight No. 6. Kate Bugayenko is 9-1 on the season and 7-0 in singles No. 1.
 
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