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MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University women's tennis team hosts Nova Southeastern 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in a big Sunshine State Conference match.

The winner will control their destiny toward winning the SSC regular season title. No. 2 Barry (14-1, 5-0 SSC) has three league matches remaining. No. 4 Nova (16-0, 6-0) has two.

"I think they deserve to be where they are," Bucs assistant coach Maria Lopez said. "We're excited to see what they have, and how our girls are going to handle the challenge. We're obviously in the most competitive conference in the nation. It's always good to see more competition in our conference. It gives (us) a reason to work harder."

Four of the top 6 teams reside in the Sunshine State Conference. Barry still has to play No. 5 Saint Leo on April 18 in Miami Shores.

The Sharks have beaten Saint Leo and No. 6 Lynn already this season, both by 5-4 verdicts. Irina Constantinide has won all 15 matches this season, including eight at No. 4 singles. Petra Jurova is 14-0, which includes a 10-0 mark at the No. 2 flight. Carlee Rizzolo is 11-2, with a 7-1 mark at No. 6. Alexandra Johansson is 10-4 with a 6-2 record at No. 5. Sabrina Kierberg is 9-3 at No. 1 singles.

"They're No. 4 in the country right now," Lopez said. "I think it's the first time in the history of their school (being ranked that high). Our girls are excited to play them."

In the last 17 matches between the two schools, Barry owns a 15-2 record. 

The Buccaneers are 41-4 in doubles matches this season. The Sharks are 38-10. The Bucs are 15-0 at No. 2 doubles. The Sharks are 14-0 at No. 2 singles.

"I think we feel good," Lopez said. "The last (few) matches have been a good test. The whole season has been a good test for the girls, and how they can rise through the injuries and the obstacles we've had. 

"We're lucky we're healthy right now as we head into the last part of the season with some important matches."