KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women’s tennis team will travel to Macon, Ga. on Saturday as it wraps up its 2011 regular season against in-state rival, Mercer.

From a casual fan’s point of view Saturday’s match against the Bears (4-13, 1-8 A-Sun) would seem to be just another match as the Owls (17-5, 6-3 A-Sun) have already clinched a postseason berth, while Mercer has been eliminated from playoff contention.  However, with the No. 2 through No. 6 seeds still all up for grabs in this year’s Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament, the Black and Gold know that this match could be vital to their tournament success.

Just like many of the other Kennesaw State and Mercer sports rivalries the women’s tennis teams have always battled each other close over the years as the all-time series between the two schools is tied at 2-2.

Junior Vera Shkundina will try to be the difference-maker as she looks to put the finishing touches on her magical 2011 regular season. The Ufa, Russia native is currently on a five-match singles winning streak at the No. 1 spot, and if she can extend that streak to six matches it will be the 50th singles win of her career.

First-serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center.