The Wichita State women's tennis team sees its first home outdoor action over the next two days with matches on Thursday against Cincinnati and Friday versus South Florida at the Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex.
Â
It's always exciting to play conference opponents at home," WSU head coach
Colin Foster said. "We've been battling injuries and illnesses this season, but I couldn't be happier with the prep-work that the players are putting in. We've had some time to hit the practice courts hard this week, and I know we're ready for these matches."
Â
Due to the threat of afternoon rain. Thursday's match will now begin at 10 a.m. CT. Friday's first serve is still set for Noon.
Â
In addition to rain drops, the forecast calls for increasingly windy conditions heading into the weekend.
Â
"(Outdoor tennis) requires patience and – especially when it's windy like it will be the next couple of days – favors those who are mentally resilient." Foster said. "No one is going to play their best tennis. Rather, it's the players who best manage the conditions who will most likely come out on top."
Â
Fans can track live scoring at ShockerStats.com with further updates via Twitter by following @GoShockersWTEN.
Â
vs. CINCINNATI (10-3)
Thursday, Mar. 17 | 10 a.m. CT
Wichita, Kan. | Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex
Live Scoring:
Link
- The Bearcats are riding a nine-match winning streak.
- WSU is 2-0 all-time against Cincinnati. The Shockers pulled out a 4-3 victory on Mar. 5, 2020 in Cincinnati and defeated the Bearcats in Wichita during the 2018-19 season.
- Sophomore Kelli Niehaus is a perfect 10-0 in duals while playing mostly at No. 5 singles.
Â
Â
vs. SOUTH FLORIDA (3-10)
Friday, Mar. 18 | Noon CT
Wichita, Kan. | Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex
Live Stats:
Link
- The teams meet for only the second time. WSU fell 4-1 to the Bulls on Mar. 15, 2019 in Tampa.
- USF has faced six teams that have spent time in the Tennis-Point ITA Division I Rankings, going 1-5. The Bulls defeated FGCU (currently No. 74) on Feb. 27 by a score of a 4-1.
- Grace Schumacher (an All-AAC selection last spring as a true freshman) has split time at No. 1 singles with Sierra Berry.
- Berry and Amelia Boy carry a 5-1 mark at No. 1 doubles.
Â
Â
ABOUT THE SHOCKERS:
- WSU is looking to snap a four-match losing streak.
- Harriet Hamilton has a team-best 16 wins in 22 matches. She's 8-4 in duals while splitting time between the Nos. 5 and 6 spots.
- Freshman Clara Whitaker has the team's top dual match record at 9-4. She has played everywhere from 2-6 in the lineup.
