Tennis team detects positives
despite weekend losses
By Jason Tomcsi
Sports
Editor
The women's tennis team dropped two matches to
ranked opponents this weekend, losing to No. 6 Tennessee and then No.
27 Louisiana State University.
Despite dropping the two matches to ranked opponents,
Head Coach Mat Iandolo said that there were some positives to come out
of the weekend.
"I think that it definitely gave us something to
build on," said Iandolo. "It probably showed us something to work on."
Iandolo said that the team is going to need some
more time before they can compete with a team like Tennessee.
"I thought we just ran into a better team on Friday,"
said Iandolo. "At this stage of the year, they are a lot more talented
and more experienced than we are. I think we are a year or so away from
competing favorably with a team like Tennessee."
According to Iandolo, the Boilers had several opportunities
against LSU, but the Tigers were tough on their home court.
The highlight of the weekend was a big win by junior
Melissa Iqbal, who defeated Bruna Colosio of LSU 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 in the
number one singles.
Colosio was the 2001 SEC player of the year, giving
Iqbal one of the top five wins by a Purdue player in school history.
"That is something we can have her build on, if
we can have her play on that level at a consistent basis," said Iandolo.
Overall, Iandolo said that though he would have
liked a win against LSU, it was too soon in the season, but maybe by
the end of the season the Boilers will defeat other ranked opponents.
The Boilermakers return home this weekend to take
on Utah Saturday and No. 23 Kentucky, Sunday.
"We will be the underdog against Kentucky," said
Iandolo. "But against Utah we will be the favored team."
Purdue will be looking for a boost when sophomore
Melissa Woods returns to singles play.
"(I'm) looking forward to getting Melissa Woods
back in the singles line up," said Iandolo. "Her experience has been
missed."
Woods has been playing doubles since she returned
from a back injury.
"She is one of our more experienced players and
her returning will not put as much heat on the freshmen this early in
their careers," said Iandolo.
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