First place in the Big West women's tennis standings is on the line this week when nationally ranked foes Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State square off in Northridge on Friday.
   
The Matadors enter the match a perfect 5-0 in Big West play, looking to capture their first-ever regular season crown.  It will be a tall order against the three-time defending Big West Tournament champion 49ers, which are undefeated themselves in league play at 4-0.  There will be no shortage of motivation for CSUN, considering the Matadors have had the 49ers end their season in each of the last three years at the Big West Championships.
   
Long Beach State (11-5 overall) had a season-high eight-match win streak snapped last week by Pepperdine, while Cal State Northridge has lost two straight after winning nine of its first 11 matches.  The 49ers are the Big West's highest ranked team in the ITA rankings at No. 49.  The Matadors are positioned at No. 68 in the rankings.
   
Not to be overlooked is another showdown on Sunday when CSUN travels to defending Big West regular season champion UC Irvine.  The Anteaters (9-6, 3-1) are still very much in the hunt for the title but a loss would seriously hamper their quest to repeat as titlists.
   
In men's tennis action, UC Santa Barbara takes a season-high six-match win streak into a key Saturday non-conference contest against No. 48 San Diego State.  The Gauchos, ranked No. 64 in the nation, lead all Big West schools with nine victories.