Tennis teams warming up for spring

The Augustana men and women's tennis teams have so far this spring experienced some very different obstacles in facing their opponents.

The women, who now have a record of 3-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and 4-0 total, have been very pleased with their performances and hope to continue their momentum into the rest of the season.

However, the men, whose record now stands at 0-3, are the first to say they have some more improving to do.

But morale is still high, as the season began only a few weeks ago and will last through April. The women played their first match against Bemidji State on Feb. 19, and have since gone on to defeat the University of Minnesota – Crookston, South Dakota State University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.

The men's first scheduled match on Feb. 6, versus the University of Sioux Falls Cougars, was cancelled due to weather, and the team lost to their next three opponents in the season: University of Nebraska-Omaha, South Dakota State University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.

"It will be a tough season," senior Ben Aslesen said. "But I think we will compete hard and have a lot of fun, so I'm looking forward to it."

Senior Dillon Karras admits that the players have a bit of an uphill battle ahead of them, but he is sure that the team will pull through.

"I have high hopes for our team," Karras said. "We have a lot of talented freshmen this year who are really going to have to step up, but I am confident that they are up to the task."

As for the women's team, the players simply hope to keep winning matches with the consistency they have shown thus far.

"As a team and individually, we have goals that we all work toward," senior Jill Hagestuen said. "I think as a team we would like to work toward winning conference and going on to regionals."

One main reason both teams expect better records as the season goes on is that the teams will be able to play at the new Huether Tennis Centre. Although neither team has been able to compete on the courts yet because of the snow, the players expect that the home-field advantage will help in defeating their opponents.

"Before, we had to practice at McKennan Park, which presented some hassles, but with the new complex, getting to practice and scheduling practice has been a lot easier,"

Aslesen said. "Performance-wise, it is great to have a home-field advantage, which really allows us to be comfortable during our matches."

Karras expects the new courts will bring more spectators to cheer on the Augustana teams, which will help boost confidence.

"It is just like any sport: The home-field advantage is a huge morale booster," Karras said. "The fact that the school can cheer us on in our games will be a great help and will hopefully get Augie back into tennis."

Hagestuen is happy that the teams will finally have as much court time as they want and need.

"It is great to be able to play on campus, since prior to the courts being finished, both the men and women's teams were forced to find other locations to practice, and sometimes you would be competing with other people to get enough courts for practice," Hagestuen said. "Now that the courts are on campus, everything is right here."

And, this being his last year playing collegiate tennis, Karras is not going to let anything stop him from helping the team.

"I've had my fair share of medical problems, but it is my senior year, so I don't plan on letting something like this keep me away from the game," Karras said. "We have a great chance to be a winning club this year with all of the new talent we have. As long as we work hard and play smart, I think we will make it pretty far—perhaps even regionals."

The women's tennis team's next match is a triangular tomorrow in Duluth, Minn., with the University of Minnesota – Duluth and the University of Minnesota – Crookston. The men will have a week off before challenging Morningside College at 6:30 p.m., on March 12, at the Huether Tennis Centre. And March 14-18, both teams will be playing a series of games over spring break in Orlando.