April 14, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State women's tennis team will continue its Missouri Valley Conference regular-season as it faces off against conference foes Creighton and Wichita State Friday and Sunday.
The Redbirds enter this weekend's matches after hosting Drake and Northern Iowa last weekend. The `Birds defeated the Bulldogs in a close 4-3 win but were unsuccessful against the Panthers, losing 5-2, bringing their overall valley record to 2-1.
Last season Illinois State was 2-0 against Creighton, defeating the Bluejays in both the regular season and at the Valley Tournament. The `Birds did not have the same success against Wichita, however, losing to the Shockers in the regular season and in the finals at the Valley Tournament.
Head coach Chris Hoover thinks his team will do well this weekend.
"We had a rough start to the season," said Hoover, "but we've started out conference play fairly well. We need to just keep winning. We've had a lot of injuries and as long as everyone stays healthy this weekend we will do well. Both Creighton and Wichita are going to be tough but obviously Wichita is the team to beat this year."
Play will begin Friday against Creighton at 12:30 p.m., CDT in Omaha, Neb., and will continue Sunday against Wichita State in Wichita, Kan., at 9 a.m., CDT.
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