As the women's tennis team finishes this weekend what has been a luckless Big Ten season, it takes time to honor its seniors.

There is only one senior on this year's roster, but Leigh Ann Merryman has been an important part of the team in her four years at Penn State.

"It will be a little emotional, because she's just been the model student-athlete for us over the years," Penn State women's tennis coach Buffy Baker said. "That will make this weekend's matches a little more special."

Merryman's final season at Penn State has not been everything she would have hoped for, but there have been bright spots for her.

This was Merryman's first season playing as No. 1 singles player, a spot in which she has struggled against nationally ranked foes, but has managed to scrape together several wins. Over spring break, she won three straight singles matches to earn her first Big Ten Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week award.

This weekend the Nittany Lions (6-14) will play their final matches of the season, hosting Minnesota and Iowa at the Sarni Tennis Center.

Penn State plays Minnesota tomorrow at 10 a.m. Minnesota (2-17) has struggled all year in the Big Ten, like the Lions. The Gophers are also in the middle of a 13-match losing streak. However, Baker said Minnesota would provide strong competition.

"They're a bit out-manned, but their top four are tough," Baker said.

Merryman will be honored before her final match, against Iowa (11-7) on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Merryman's home finale will be the Lions' last chance to grab a Big Ten victory.

The Lions are 0-8 in conference, though the Lions have played more competitively the last few weekends against tougher opponents.

"I feel very good about the weekend because we're still making constant improvement every week," Baker said. "Obviously, we're looking to get a win."