Confident Belles look to serve up conference victory
JENNIFER BARTALINO
Sports Writer
After last Saturday's wins against Adrian College and Aquinas College, the Saint Mary's tennis team is hot on the trail of another victory.
This afternoon at 3 p.m., the Belles face off against the Britons of Albion College in a home match. This will be the Belles' second MIAA match of the season and confidence is high.
"I would definitely say that we're pretty confident for this match," senior co-captain Natalie Cook said.
The team is especially anxious to see how they'll fare today, knowing that Albion is scheduled as one of their main competitors at the MIAA Championships. Albion is coming off a conference victory against Kalamazoo that followed the Briton defeat of the Knights of Calvin College.
"The only thing that has wavered our confidence is that [Albion] beat Calvin and we lost to them last year," Cook said. "But our team is just as strong if not stronger than last year."
Last year the Belles soundly defeated the Britons 6-3 and finished above fourth place Albion in the final MIAA standings. Although the Belles are working on perfecting their strokes, mental prowess will be the deciding factor in this contest.
"This match is going to come down to mental toughness," Cook said. "If we think we can do it, then we can win."
Mental power may be key, but a friendly crowd and some friendly weather will play their roles as well. The tennis team is sure to attract students and family and the weather man has promised sun and warm temperatures.
"It helps to see the familiar faces and know that they're on your side," Cook said. "And the nice weather makes you want to be out there."
No. 1 and No. 2 singles promise to keep the crowd interested as junior Annie Knish takes on Tracy Gray in No. 1 singles and Cook opposes Amiee Greene in No. 2 singles.
"The No.1 and No. 2 spots are pretty tough," Cook said and she is hoping to repeat last year's No.1 singles victory.
The Belles will also hit the road this Thurs-day to face another tough competitor, Hope College. Today's results will give them a good idea of what lies in store for them. Freshmen Jeannie Knish, Katilin Cutler and Kris Spriggle will be stepping in at No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 singles and sophomore Elisa Ryan will wrap up with No. 6 singles.
Cook and Annie Knish will team up for No. 1 doubles, joined by the teams of Jeannie Knish and Cutler and Ryan and Trisha Jones at the 2 and 3 spots.
The match will begin at 3 p.m. today outside Angela Athletic Facility.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, April 4, 2001
