Two key ingredients will take center stage Friday – location and attitude.

The Bruins have the location advantage, hosting up to three rounds of the national tournament starting this week.

Whether or not they have the attitude to advance beyond Westwood, following a recent conference tournament loss, remains to be seen.

“That was the biggest thing, is getting that negativity out of there when they’re out there competing,” said coach Stella Sampras Webster. “We’ve got such a great, talented team – just don’t want players getting down on themselves because they’re not only playing for themselves, but they’re playing for the team too.”

No. 8 seed UCLA women’s tennis (18-5, 9-1 Pac-12) will begin its run in the NCAA championships Friday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center against San Diego State (16-6, 7-2 Mountain West) in the first round, followed by a match against the winner of Denver and Texas Tech on Saturday. The Bruins begin their campaign in the wake of a Pac-12 semifinal championship exit, but they boast an undefeated record at home and five ranked players between their singles and doubles starting six.

UCLA hosted the first two rounds of the tournament in 2021, but not the Sweet Sixteen, as it will this year. Junior Kimmi Hance has yet to play an NCAA match at home, and said not having to travel or adjust to new environments will prove advantageous.

Hance has lost in singles at home once this season, touting a 9-5 overall record, including four ranked wins. She said her final two losses – particularly a 6-0, 6-2 defeat at the hands of California in the Pac-12 semifinals – have motivated her to adjust her attitude going into the NCAAs.

“I just need to not put as much pressure on myself and know that my team’s going to have my back, no matter if I win or lose,” Hance said. “I was really nervous in those matches. Obviously, I really wanted to win, but it kind of hindered my ability to play at the best level.”

No matter what attitude they bring into the match, the Bruins hold a 26-7 win record against San Diego State. UCLA had initially drawn Denver for Friday, but an update 24 hours after the selection show flipped the matches to land it against San Diego State.

Freshman Ahmani Guichard said the team hasn’t talked about the switch, as it is most focused on perfecting its own game, no matter the opponent.

“Every team is ready. Doesn’t matter what happened last time, it’s always a new match,” Guichard said. “I think (the key is) staying focused and being positive.”

Hance said the NCAA tournament is an opportunity to readjust her approach and enjoy her last few moments with departing teammates.

“Going into this week, I’m just going to try to enjoy the moment a little bit more,” Hance said. “This is the last time I’ll get to play with some of my friends while they’re graduating, so I’m just going to enjoy it.”