Salukis hot going into the weekend

SIU women’s tennis begin five-match home stand this weekend

Southwest Missouri State and Wichita State will be facing a waking giant the SIU women’s tennis team this weekend when the Salukis host the two squads this weekend at University Courts.

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Despite just a 6-11 record overall, the Salukis have won four of their last five matches and hold a 2-1 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Salukis will try to continue that superb play against Southwest Missouri State (7-9, 4-1) Saturday at 10 a.m. and Wichita State (5-9, 2-3) at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

SIU head coach Judy Auld knew the talent she has accumulated on this team and it was only a matter of time until the Salukis flexed their might to the rest of the MVC.

The Salukis’ recent hot streak has added to their confidence, but their tough schedule early on could be what is paying dividends now.

“Success always helps,” Auld said. “I don’t know if there is a buzz about us right now, but we have definitely shocked some people in the MVC.

“Early on in the season, we were playing well, but we going against some really good teams. We took our bumps and bruises, but that is how I believe you get better – by playing good competition.”

The Salukis have four members on board who boast superb records so far this spring season. Freshman Maria Blanco currently holds an unblemished 4-0 record in No. 2 singles while Alejandra Blanco has compiled a 3-1 record in No. 1 singles. Jessica Knitter and Sophie Bedard have also chocked up a 3-1 record.

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“I always knew Alejandra could compete at No. 1,” Auld said. “She has all the tools physically. She is playing with a lot more confidence. Jessica has really kicked it into high gear and Maria just had a great weekend last week where she went 3-0.”

Alejandra has been playing at a very high level as of late and was recently named the MVC’s women’s tennis Player of the Week. Knitter was also last week’s recipient of the award.

Alejandra said Maria, Knitter and she all have some experience, and that has helped them a great deal. She noted that they also have been lucky enough to have any nagging injuries.

Southwest Missouri recently lost 4-3 to conference leader Illinois State, and Auld knows they are a team to be reckoned with.

She said SMS, who was last year’s conference champion, started off slow, but have really shown its resolve in recent weeks.

“They are a bit like us,” Auld said. “They started with a kind of rocky start and their season has been a bit like a roller coaster. We need to go against them and play hard knowing the pressure is on them to stay in the top two of the conference. We are going to try and squeak by.”

The match versus the Shockers plays a role of extreme importance since they are one of the teams SIU will have to knock off if it hopes of finishing in the top four of the conference, a goal the team said can be done.

“I think that is very realistic,” Alejandra said. “If we keep everybody healthy and keep working hard, I think we could really do it.”

With the next five matches on the schedule taking place at SIU, the goal of being top four looks even more realistic. But there are also some negatives Auld does not like when playing at home.

“This is a very big weekend,” Auld said. “We are playing at home and there are advantages and disadvantages. There are a lot more distractions. I want total concentration on the match at hand, and I don’t want them worrying about their friends in the stands and trying to pull out wins for them.

“I want them to pull out their wins for their team and teammates.”

Reporter Zack Creglow can be reached at [email protected]