The tennis postseason kicks off tomorrow with the Pac-10 championships held in Ojai, Calif.

The conference’s nine womens teams and eight mens teams will be entered into the tournament that lasts through Sunday, when the league’s singles and doubles champions will be determined.

Although both the UW mens and womens teams are in the bottom half of the Pac-10 standings, they both possess individual standouts who have the potential to make a strong showing at the tournament.

The UW women’s hopes depend on freshman Venise Chan, who is 30th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings and boasts an impressive 20-8 record, including wins against numerous ranked opponents such as No. 26 Nadia Abdala of Arizona State University and No. 18 Susie Babos of California.

With a strong rookie appearance, Chan could also be in the running for Freshman of the Year, an individual award that will be given at the conclusion of the tournament.

In contrast, the two seniors on the women’s team, Tara Simpson and Allison Rainey, will be making their final appearance at this annual tournament in hopes of notable finishes.

“The Pac-10 is individual,” Rainey said. “I’m hoping to get a lot of confidence from it and motivation to go into regionals.”

The men’s side of the competition will have plenty of tough matches for the Huskies as well, with four individual players among the top 30 in the nation and UCLA leading the conference in standings as the fifth-ranked team in the country.

Junior Patrik Fischer has been leading the way for the Huskies, playing in the top spot and notching wins over formidable opponents throughout the season.

“I think he’s been doing better, I have no question,” Washington coach Matt Anger said.

Not only is the junior co-captain making headlines for the Huskies, but a couple of freshmen should have solid showings at the tournament as well.

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan has cracked into the ITA rankings during his first season as a Husky with a record of 19-13. Flying under the radar, though, is freshman Martin Kildahl, who has not only been a solid performer in doubles, but is undefeated in dual matches finishing out this season at 6-0.

The Pac-10 tournament will run in conjunction with the 108th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament that attracts 1600 of the best college, junior and open players from the Western states.

A few tennis greats who have appeared at the tournament include Pete Sampras, Tracy Austin and the Bryan twins.

The event draw will consist of 32 players for the singles bracket and 16 teams for doubles.

With many of the best contenders, Washington still has high hopes for this tournament.

“Like I’ve been saying, we’re not that bad, and we’re going to be in the tournament and I’m hoping we’re going to be ready to win some matches as well,” Anger said.