Bruins, Trojans Face Long Odds in Title Run

Neither UCLA nor USC won an NCAA women’s tennis team championship in the 1990s. The odds are against either ending the drought this year.

The ninth-ranked Bruins and 12th-ranked Trojans open the 16-team single-elimination tournament today at Pepperdine. USC (17-8) faces Louisiana State (16-10) at 8 a.m., and UCLA (16-7) plays Texas (22-5) at 5 p.m.

If the Trojans win today, they will probably play second-ranked Georgia (23-2) Saturday in the semifinals. If the Bruins win, they will probably meet top-ranked Stanford (27-0).

“Sure, everyone has a tough draw,” USC Coach Richard Gallien said. “It should be that way. If we get all six [players] playing well at the same time, we’re dangerous.”

USC hasn’t won a team title since 1985. UCLA was the 1987 champion and runner-up in ’91.

“You need a little luck,” Bruin Coach Stella Sampras said, “and you need to be well-conditioned. [We’re] well-prepared and excited; this is the best we’ve been playing all year.”

The team competition ends with Sunday’s championship at 1 p.m. Individual competition starts Monday and doubles on Tuesday, with finals set for May 26.

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NCAA Tennis Facts

* What: NCAA Division I women’s tennis championships.

* Where: Pepperdine.

* When: Team competition starts today with matches at 8 and 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday’s final is at 1 p.m. Individual play starts Monday with matches at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. Final is May 26 at 1 p.m., followed by doubles final.

* The cost: $9 per day for adults, $5 for students, children and seniors. All-tournament pass is $50. Team tournament pass, $30. Individual tournament pass, $30.