The road has been rocky for the Longhorns this season. Filled with ups and downs, Texas’ year can take another turn for the better with a strong showing in the 69th edition of the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic in Montgomery, Alabama, this weekend. 

The Blue Gray Classic is a two-day tournament dating back to 1949, and it consistently includes some of the nation’s top collegiate teams. Texas’ first of three matchups, against Denver (4–1), will begin today at 9 a.m. A victory over the Pioneers would give Texas (2–2) its first winning streak of the season. 

Denver poses tough competition, but Texas enters this prestigious tournament with a hot hand after defeating a well-rounded Miami team, 5-2, on Feb. 11 in Austin.  

The Longhorns swung their rackets well in their last outing, with stunning performances by standout senior Neda Koprcina, who moved up 10 spots in the national rankings to No. 69, and freshman Bianca Turati, who jumped 46 spots to land at No. 39.

Head coach Howard Joffe praised the young talent of his team after the match.

“Anna (Turati) had laser focus, Bianca (Turati) beat one of the better players in college tennis,” Joffe said. “Petra (Granic) showed amazing skill and the toughest and highest of character in clinching this excellent win.”

The win over Miami was a huge confidence booster for Texas after dropping its two previous matchups. Now that his team has shown some resilience, Joffe said he’s confident they can string together multiple wins.

The Longhorns stroll into Montgomery with high hopes to gain some early-season momentum this weekend.