Women’s tennis to fce n-state rival
It’s been six weeks, but the Utah State University women’s tennis team is finally getting the opportunity to play at home again.
Utah State’s match Wednesday will be the first time the Aggies have played at home since Jan. 21, and the first time they have played since Feb. 24.
“It feels good just being off the road,” USU netter Shelly Ferguson said. “It’s a good feeling and I’m excited for this next match coming up.”
The Aggies will be playing in-state rival Weber State University at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Academy and Racquet Club.
Head Coach Chris Wright said a big rivalry exists between the two teams and both are evenly matched.
“They’ve had a very good program, and our program has steadily improved,” he said. “I don’t think they’re ahead of us.”
Ferguson said, “They’ve got a good team, but we’ve improved a lot since last year and they’ve lost a few good players. That puts us at an advantage, plus having a home-court advantage is always good.”
Playing at home, the Aggies will have an advantage because their court plays faster than other courts, Ferguson said. Also, the ball travels faster than when playing at lower elevations, such as in California.
“These courts are extra fast compared to other courts, and I think with our parents and fans that always gets you going,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to play at home.”
Though the Aggies will have the advantage of knowing the court, Wright said the team needs a good start.
“If there’s a definite opportunity to take full advantage [of homecourt] it will be early in singles and doubles,” Wright said. “Later on in the match, they’ll [Weber] be adjusted.”
Wright said the aspect of the Aggies’ game they’ve been focusing the most on has been doubles play.
“We’ve had some good doubles performances and we’ve had a few where we just looked a little flat out there,” Wright said. “Hopefully we’ll come out with a lot of energy in doubles and in singles have a carry over effect.”
Following Wednesday’s match, the Aggies will be off until April 3 when they meet Weber State in Ogden.
“I think after this match we’re going to work really hard this whole month,” Ferguson said. “I know we can get a lot better. It will be really nice to have the month of March off to focus on the details of your game.”