The University of Washington women's tennis team got a taste of what it takes to play against some of the top teams in the nation as it was swept 7-0 by both UCLA and USC this weekend. The UW was overwhelmed as the team failed to win a single set against UCLA (No. 15 in the International Tennis Association's latest rankings), or USC (eighth).

"It was tough weekend against great teams," said coach Jill Hultquist. "We got a definite gauge of what we need to work on."

The UW is finally getting a little relief from the problems with illness and injury that have affected players throughout the lineup, as key players Joyce Ardies and Mathilde Cor have been able to return to match play. This has taken some of the pressure off the healthy players, who have shouldered much of the burden of keeping the team going. Co-captain Tara Simpson in particular has been a mainstay for the UW all season.

"Tara's a great leader," said assistant coach Fernando Sanchez. "She's been working really hard."

Against USC and UCLA, however, the UW was unable to make its hard work and persistence pay off. After Friday's match against UCLA, in which no Husky singles player managed to get more than three games in any set, the team knew they had to come into the next day's match against USC prepared for an even tougher challenge. Although the UW battled harder on Saturday, it was still unable to compete with the talented USC players, four of whom are ranked for singles.

"We came out a little cleaner on Saturday," Hultquist said. "But these girls [from USC and UCLA] are top-ranked, and we saw why."

The UW players continued to demonstrate how close they are as a team, cheering for each other and giving hugs and words of support after tough losses.

"The girls see the future," Hultquist said. "They know they're good players. With their positive attitudes and hard work, this team will get back on the right track."

Reach reporter Risa Pavia at sports@thedaily.washington.edu