The Washington women’s tennis team looks to end their regular season on a high note this weekend by beating two of their traditional Pac-10 rivals, Washington State and Oregon. The women have played both teams already this season, and although they came out with two losses, both matches were close.

Against Washington State (14-10, 1-6 Pac-10), the Huskies claimed the all-important doubles point. Wins from Allison Rainey and Joyce Ardies put the women within one point of victory. Despite battles at the other singles positions, they fell 4-3.

In their first match against Oregon (12-10, 0-7 Pac-10), the Huskies were defeated 5-2 despite straight-set wins from Mathilde Cor and Tara Simpson.

This time around, the women hope to put a few more tallies in the win column. Washington (316, 0-6 Pac-10) could use two big victories, having gone winless in the conference for over two years.

“Two wins this weekend would really top off the season,” coach Jill Hultquist said.

There could be reason for optimism. Freshman Aleksandra Malovic of the Netherlands played her first matches as a Husky two weeks ago after sitting out the beginning of the season due to eligibility questions. She is expected to play in the top half of the lineup this weekend.

Malovic came into her first college matches playing No. 1 singles against some of the best players in the nation. Her debut came in the Huskies’ matches against California and Stanford, both ranked in the top 10 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll. Although she lost both of her matches, Malovic gained valuable experience in how college tennis works.

“Aleksandra was a little shell shocked in those first matches,” Hultquist said. “Now she knows what she has to do.”

The rest of the Husky team, despite having battled adversity for months, are ready to close out the season strong. Simpson, the team’s co-captain, is coming off a great win at Stanford, where she defeated the No. 76 player in the nation, Whitney Deason, 1-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-6).

Cor and Ardies, who spent the first half of the season unable to maintain a consistent presence in the lineup due to injury and illness, are finally healthy and turning in solid performances for the team. Both are .500 or better in singles play this season, and Cor provided the Huskies with a five-match win streak at No. 1 singles that reversed the Huskies’ 0-12 start at that position.

“With Aleksandra back in the lineup and Mathilde healthy, we have the ability to win these matches,” Hultquist said. “I’m confident going into this weekend.”

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