By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

Building on the solid doubles performance exhibited against San Diego State will be one of the pivotal points in the success of the Purdue women's tennis team this weekend.

Purdue defeated San Diego State on March 17. The Boilers will travel to play against Illinois and Northwestern, on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Assistant coach Chris Karges-Iandolo said winning the doubles point and getting a fast start will be key to the Boilers success this weekend.

"If we get the doubles point, we will have a great chance of winning both matches," Karges-Iandolo said.

The team of Shannon Taheny and Jennifer Embry will look to help in accomplishing that goal. The No.1 doubles combo is ranked 15th in the nation.

The first match of the weekend will take the Boilers to Champaign, Ill. There they will take on the 67th ranked and 4-7 Fighting Illini. The Boilers have a 6-6 record and are ranked 64th nationally.

On Sunday, Purdue will have its hands full when it travels to face the 12-2 Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern is ranked 14th in the nation.

Overlooking the Illini will not be a concern for the Purdue coaches.

"They are a really fiery team, that gets our kids fired up as well," Karges-Iandolo said.

Despite the high ranking of Northwestern, the Boilers will not be lacking confidence for the match.

"Our players match up well head to head," said Karges-Iandolo. "We beat them the last time we played at Northwestern."