The OU women’s tennis team is looking to have a break-out season. Their first opportunity to make a statement against a ranked team comes this weekend when No. 26 Alabama visits Norman at noon Saturday.

Head Coach David Mullins has changed the way he prepares the team for each match. Junior Maria Kalashnikova said the focus has shifted to maximizing each player’s own strengths rather than worrying about the opponent’s weaknesses. The change in preparation has boosted the team’s confidence.

“I think it is much better just to focus on your own game, and to bring it on the court and see how your opponent will deal with that,” Kalashnikova said.

Freshmen can often make a huge impact in college sports, and tennis is no exception. The Sooners have three new players in freshmen Katelyn Connelly, Brittany Parks, and Teona Tsertsvadze.

Sophomore Kristina Radan said all three freshmen are exciting additions for OU. The new girls bring more than just ability: Connelly is an excellent teammate and Parks is very consistent. Tsertsvadze comes in with the most hype and has already started to deliver.

“She’s just a really talented player, so we’re expecting a lot from her,” Kalashnikova said.

Tsertsvadze played at the No. 2 position in singles against Arkansas Little Rock and No. 1 against Oral Roberts last weekend. She is paired with junior Ana-Maria Constantinescu, the 2009 Big 12 Singles Champion, for doubles. The two should fill the No. 1 doubles position for much of the spring.

Radan comes to OU after being the Austrian Junior National Champion. She said she is getting used to the faster, American style of play on the hard-court.

Once the weather warms up, Norman will present a home-court advantage for OU outside. The Midwest wind is difficult to adjust to, especially if you are not playing in it regularly.

“I love playing outside, in the wind,” Radan said. “Most girls who come here are not used to the wind conditions we have. It’s certainly an advantage.”

Alabama picked up five wins to open the season before loosing twice in Atlanta last weekend at the ITA Kickoff Weekend. They lost to No. 25 Kentucky and No. 31 Arizona State.

Immediately following the Alabama match, OU is hosting Kids Day, presented by the United States Tennis Association and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Admission is free, and those in attendance will receive free food and refreshments, and have a chance to win a new tennis racquet.