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The University of Tennessee Lady Vols tennis team has a pair of reasons for high hopes this season.

Those reasons are two sophomore players from totally different backgrounds.

Caitlin Whoriskey came to Tennessee from a tennis academy in Florida. Zsofia Zubor left Hungary for the opportunity to play tennis at an American college. Together, Whoriskey and Zubor have been ranked the No. 2 doubles team in the nation according to the Fila/Intercollegiate Tennis Association preseason poll.

The No. 2 ranking is the highest ever achieved by a doubles team at Tennessee.

"It's a big confidence boost," Whoriskey said. "It's good to put Tennessee on that list to be afraid of."

The honor amazes Zubor.

"It's just an awesome feeling," Zubor said. "We've worked so hard in the last year."

Lady Vols co-head coach Sonia Hahn-Patrick said all of the hard work has led to high hopes for the team as it prepare to opens its spring season Friday against Middle Tennessee State University at the Goodfriend Indoor Tennis Center in Knoxville.

"We have probably one of the most talented teams we've ever had," Hahn-Patrick said. "The team is really fired-up."

This will be Hahn-Patrick's 10th season as co-head coach with husband Mike Patrick, who will enter his 20th season with Tennessee.

Tennessee begins the spring season ranked No. 22 in the ITA preseason poll despite a majority of younger players and only two upperclassmen.

Hahn-Patrick said the combination of young talent and experienced players helps.

"It's been a learning process for both sides," Hahn-Patrick said.

Whoriskey and Zubor are a prime example of how the team has pulled together. A series of injuries last season led them to become doubles partners. They adjusted to each other's playing styles and compiled a 13-3 record en route to the top ranking in the Southeast Region during the fall.

Zubor said practicing matches with her doubles partner were vital.

"In doubles you have to be more aggressive," Zubor said. "We needed a little time to get used to each other."

Slowly working together became natural.

"We both complement each other with our game styles," Whoriskey said. "We know what each person is capable of."

Hahn-Patrick said they started playing well when they formed a mutual respect.

"They're about as opposite as night and day," Hahn-Patrick said.

At season's end, the teammates would like for Tennessee to place in the NCAA tournament while at the same time improving their playing skills..

"This was one of my biggest dreams to come to the U.S. and play tennis," Zubor said. "I'm really happy I'm a part of it."

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.