BOULDER - Fresh off a weekend sweep, the Colorado Buffaloes tennis team is gearing up to kick off Big 12 play on the road, taking on Iowa State and Kansas.
The Buffs showcased their prowess last weekend, going 3-0 with decisive victories over UNLV, Gonzaga, and Utah Tech, outscoring their opponents 17-4.
Head coach Anthony Pham highlighted the team's depth as a key asset this season, expressing confidence in the lineup's versatility. "One of our biggest strengths this year is our depth," Pham noted. "We feel really confident with whoever we put in the lineup."
As they dive into conference competition, the Buffs will face Iowa State on Friday, followed by a showdown with Kansas on Sunday. The Big 12 is known for its fierce competition, and Pham acknowledges the challenge ahead.
"The Big 12 is really competitive," he said. "We know every team is good, whether they're ranked or not, and Iowa State and Kansas are both very good teams."
The Cyclones have had a rocky start, standing at 2-4, but they've gained momentum with consecutive wins against St. Thomas and UNLV. Historically, Colorado has the upper hand with a 29-6 series record against Iowa State, including a memorable first-round upset in the 2025 Big 12 Championship.
On Sunday, the Buffs will head to Lawrence for their 47th encounter with Kansas. The Jayhawks are currently 4-5 and looking to even their record against Texas Tech before meeting Colorado.
Kansas has a slight edge in the series, leading 28-18, and won their last matchup 4-2 in March. Colorado aims to snap a two-match losing streak against the Jayhawks, with their last victory dating back to 2015.
Pham remains optimistic about his team's form. "We're in a good place," he said. "The team is competing really well and fighting like crazy, and that's something we want to continue going into this weekend."
The Buffs will face Iowa State at 3 p.m. (MT) on Friday at the Iowa State Tennis Facility.
On Sunday, they take on Kansas at 1 p.m. at the Jayhawk Tennis Center. Fans can follow live updates @cubuffstennis.