For the Michigan women’s tennis team, playing No. 7 UCLA in the Sweet 16 this weekend is like any other day at the office.

Playing the likes of Big Ten foes No. 11 Northwestern and No. 16 Nebraska is no easy task each year. But these grueling matches are the ones that prepare teams for the big stage. So the 10th-ranked Wolverines are ready for the Bruins this weekend, no matter how high their ranking.

“We played a strong schedule, so it’s nothing we’re not used to and we match up well,” said Michigan coach Ronni Bernstein. “They are very good team, but if we come out strong and get the doubles point, I think we have a good shot.”

The Wolverines earned their spot in the Sweet 16 after blanking both IPFW and Notre Dame, 4-0, in the Ann Arbor Regional.

But Michigan (10-1 Big Ten, 23-5 overall) will face a challenge in a UCLA (18-5) team on a whole new level.

And if they plan to take down the Bruins, it will start with the doubles play. The Wolverines remain unbeaten, 19-0, when winning the doubles point, and hold just a 3-5 record when losing it.

The nation’s sixth-ranked pair of sophomore Emina Bektas and junior Brooke Bolender headline Michigan’s doubles lineup. The duo has been the cornerstone to each doubles point victory and attribute their success to their style of play.

“We are probably one of the most aggressive teams in the country,” Bektas said. “We’re both always at the net at all times. We have to get first serves and returns in and focus on the first volleys.”

The Wolverines have depth with sophomore Sarah Lee and senior Mimi Nguyen forming a solid second pair. The duo continue their fusion of opposite playing styles to take down opponents. Rounding out Michigan’s lineup is freshman Ronit Yurovsky and sophomore Kristen Dodge, who both bring a great energy to the court.

Even with a strong lineup, the Wolverines will be battle tested by the Bruins, who have three ranked doubles pairs.

“We just have to go out with good energy in the doubles and get that point,” Bernstein said.

But perhaps the biggest challenge Michigan will face is UCLA’s singles lineup. The Bruins boast five ranked players — including two in the Top 20.

The Wolverines’ top player is No. 30 Bektas, who will face the nation’s third-ranked player, Robin Anderson.

“The biggest thing is that I am going to have to fight and compete,” Bektas said. “I know that she’s a great player, but as long as I’m fighting, I will have a great chance. If she starts pushing me back during the match, I’m going to be in trouble.”

Added Bernstein: “She has to play her game, and come in quite a bit. We’re not looking at the rankings, and she will prepare no differently, and just worry about her strategy.”

The Bruins’ star-studded roster doesn’t end there. Yurovsky, who plays in the second spot, will face No. 20 Kyle McPhillips, who is the highest ranked opponent she has faced in a dual-match season. But Bernstein didn’t seem worried.

“(Yurovsky) is experienced from the juniors,” she said. “She plays with such an aggressive style, and that definitely translates to her success playing higher in the lineup.”

If Michigan can control the pace during the singles’ matches, the road to victory will become much clearer.

Luckily for the Wolverines, they have one of the most decorated coaching staffs in the country. Bernstein recently picked up her fourth Big Ten Coach of the Year award, while assistant coach Teryn Ashley-Fitch was just rewarded with the ITA Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year award.

“Teryn is incredible,” Bektas said. “It’s her personality and how she is on the court. I always love when she is on my court and comes over and helps me. She has a really calming presence and always tells you what you want to hear.”

With good coaching, Michigan will certainly be ready for the challenge of UCLA. It will be a battle won by the team who wants it more.

Could it be the Bruins? Or the Wolverines? Only time will tell.