Sept. 29, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
The women's tennis team travel to Springfield, Mo. this weekend for the much anticipated State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Individuals. Missouri State will be hosting the Valley Individuals which will consist of seven singles flights and three doubles flights. At the 2004 Individuals, the `Birds finished first in four of the seven singles, and two of the three doubles flight.
Since the beginning of the fall season, the `Birds have been preparing for this tournament and head coach Chris Hoover hopes the practice will show.
"Hopefully we will play to our ability," said Hoover. "If we do that, then I know we will do well at the tournament and win matches."
Last weekend, the Redbirds dominated team the Milwaukee Classic. Consistent play was what the team wanted to achieve, and they did that in Milwaukee. The tournament victory has given them confidence heading into the Valley Individuals.
"It was great to watch all the girls do well in Milwaukee and I now feel that we are ready for the MVC Individuals." Hoover said.
The only question Hoover and the team had after the tournament was a partner for Katri Miller in number one doubles.
"We are having Emilie Sechaud play number two doubles with Katri." Hoover said. "I feel comfortable with number two and three doubles, and look forward seeing how Katri and Emilie play together to see if they are a comfortable match."
Hoover takes a positive outlook on what may lay ahead for the `Birds in the tournament.
"We are cautiously optimistic about the tournament," said Hoover. "It is always interesting to take a look at everybody and see what everyone has done in the off season to prepare for the competition they will face in the Valley Individuals, but I think we will do well."
Tournament lay will begin on Friday with flight one singles and conclude on Sunday with flight three doubles.
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