It has been said that to be the best, you must play the best. The Illinois State womens tennis team gets that opportunity as it hits the road for a three-match trip featuring No. 13 Notre Dame, San Francisco and No. 1 Stanford.
Were expecting some battles and will come out with our guard up, head coach Chris Hoover said. When a team starts to produce and gain respect regionally and nationally, theres no more catching people off guard.
Were not a well-kept secret any more, and because of that well get their best shot. Playing Stanford and Notre Dame, thats a big shot.
The Birds, ranked No. 15 in the Midwest Region, play Notre Dame, No. 13 nationally and No. 1 in the Midwest Region, Sunday morning at 9 a.m. at the Courtney Tennis Center in South Bend, Ind. The last meeting between the teams two seasons ago was dominated by the Irish in a 9-0 sweep.
Monday afternoon, ISU, 1-1, plays San Francisco, 0-1, at the San Francisco Olympic Club starting at 2 p.m., Pacific time.
The third match in as many days is slated for Tuesday afternoon at Stanford.
Were like a featherweight taking on a heavyweight, Hoover said. Well be trying hard not to get knocked out.
Stanford won the last meeting between the teams two seasons ago, 8-1.
Squaring off with the No. 1 team in the country is everyones dream that can easily turn into a nightmare, Hoover added. If we keep our heads up and give them our best shot, well walk away achieving our goal.
