FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The No. 35 Nova Southeastern University tennis team will have their spring home opener before beginning conference play, taking part in three matches in four days, beginning Thursday at the NSU Tennis Center.
 
The Sharks (2-0) come off of a short break, 12 days to be exact, since completing an undefeated weekend road trip at Valdosta State and Flagler. ITA Regional Rankings were updated on Wednesday, and the team moved up three spots in the South, from No. 9 to No. 6. One of their two opponents this weekend, Tampa, is the region's No. 10.
 
First up amongst these three matches is the home opener, coming against Canadian school York University on Thursday at 3 p.m. It will be NSU's last home match until March 9, with six contests on the road in between.
 
The first two of those six matchups finish out this weekend, each against Sunshine State Conference schools. This Saturday morning, at 10:30 a.m., the Sharks take on Florida Tech in Melbourne. Then on Sunday, it's NSU at Tampa for an 11 a.m. start.
 
Florida Tech is currently 2-4, with spotless 9-0 wins to begin the spring against Florida State College at Jacksonville and Centre College. However, they've fallen in all four matches since, two of which came against NSU common opponents: Palm Beach Atlantic (5-4), Flagler (7-2), No. 1 Barry (8-1) and Valdosta State (5-4).
 
Tampa is 1-2, and like FIT, come into this weekend on a recent short slide. They defeated St. Thomas 6-3, but then were topped by PBA (5-4) and No. 1 Barry (8-1).
 
The Sharks are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2012. They defeated both of this weekend's SSC opponents a year ago, each at home, beating No. 15 FIT 6-3 and No. 22 Tampa 7-2.