Coming off of a rough start to its spring season this past weekend, the No. 23 South Carolina women’s tennis team is looking to bounce back in Albuquerque, New Mexico beginning Friday.
Last weekend, the Gamecocks struggled getting back into the swing of things, losing six of seven singles matches to Michigan. Freshman Hadley Berg gave the Gamecocks their only win in singles the first night, who head coach Kevin Epley noted played very well.
“Hadley’s had a great year so far,” Epley said. “She’s one of the top recruits in the nation. Seeing her compete at such a high level is big for us.”
Also performing well this past weekend for South Carolina were Caroline Dailey and Brigit Folland. Dailey won two of her doubles matches, and defeated her University of South Florida opponent at the No. 1 spot. Folland also won two of her doubles matches, along with two later singles matches.
“Caroline Daley played very competitively at the number one level, which was a big jump for her,” Epley said. “Folland really stepped up as the tournament progressed. Over all, the girls showed they were competitive and we were surprised.”
Epley believed that the Gamecocks started their weekend too slow in doubles, and didn’t play well enough there. The team will focus on doubles and their game style to prepare for the dual matches.
Heading into what Epley considers the first real team match this weekend, the coaches are anxious to see what everyone will do. South Carolina will start this weekend with a doubleheader Friday afternoon against Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona before finishing the weekend against Kansas and New Mexico.
“We’ve never played against these teams before,” Epley said. “We’re the highest ranked of them, so I would expect them going against us. I know the coach well of New Mexico, so I know a little of what to expect — high attack and high energy.”
The Gamecocks possess a high amount of competitive energy, which they hope they can translate into their matches this weekend. Epley saw a lot of competitiveness from his athletes, which he said is crucial for success this season.
“Competitiveness is a goal to do well this season,” Epley said. “We got a good feel after this weekend in regards to how competitive of a team they will be. Without injuries, we can have a pretty good year. It’s all on the court, and a lot of hard work. Our goals are to not stay at 23, and to keep improving.”
Along with playing against pretty solid teams, traveling to New Mexico will be a difficult adjustment for the Gamecocks. Epley knows the atmosphere is tough to play in, but he has confidence in his players to go out there and succeed.
South Carolina has been working on
key points to what they missed last weekend. The Gamecocks hope that after
practicing their serves and working more on their personal games will result in
a better outcome.
“We just have to go out there and fight,” Epley said. “We need a lot of
competitive energy, and to dominate every court and every match.”