JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman College men's tennis team was picked to finish eighth in the South Atlantic Conference according to the recently released coaches poll. That prediction doesn't sit well with coach Jean Love and her team.
"We can't control what other people think about us," Love said. "That's definitely a motivating factor. I'm not anticipating an eight place finish at all with the men. We've got a chip on our shoulder already."
The 2011 Eagles will get the chance to show exactly what they can do Saturday when they open their season against Young Harris College. First serve is at noon.
One of the reasons for that eighth place prediction might be the sudden departure of former No. 1 player Rudolfo Schwarz. Stepping into his shoes is transfer Dusty Davis. Davis has been battle with All-SAC senior Trent Slagle (Knoxville, Tenn.) for the top spot on the roster since he became eligible.
"Most coaches don't know about him (Davis)," Love said. "That might have contributed to that No. 8 ranking. He's going to be solid there. It's not going to hurt us like people might think."
In all, the Eagles return seven players from last season's 9-8 squad. The 2010 C-N men's tennis team finished 4-4 in the SAC. '
Slagle and sophomore Derek Holdway (Woodstock, Ga.) made strides over the summer and the fall matches against Brevard, Tusculum and Cumberland (Ky.). Slagle and Davis will also make up the No. 1 doubles team.
"Doubles isn't just about how good the players are, but how well they work together," Love said. "I think we've got some good personality types that mesh well together. Even though we lost Rudolfo, Dusty has been able to step right in."
Seniors Chris Acker (Knoxville, Tenn.), Adriano Kira (Brazil) and sophomore Paul Birdsong (Woodstock, Ga.) round out the top six singles players. All are key returners from last season's squad. Holdway has solidified himself in the No. 3 spot, though it's been hotly contested between him, Acker and Kira.
"It all depends on the day," Love said. "They're all very similar players. Right now Derek has probably stuck his nose out ahead of the other two."
Incoming freshman Daniel Douglas (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Matthew White (Powder Springs, Ga.) along with sophomores Chad Sheppard (Gate City, Va.), Dalton Moore (Gate City, Va.) and Tyler Catlett (Jefferson City, Tenn.) provide important depth which will be key as the season goes on.
Kira and Birdsong make up the No., 2 doubles team with Holdway and Acker at No. 3.
The match against Young Harris will be the first tennis action for the team since Oct. 2. With the season starting, Love knows that nerves will be on edge as the matches begin. Controlling that will be a challenge.
"We've got to put a lot of balls in play and make our opponents play it out," Love said. "We can't be too excited and make a lot of errors. We can't afford to get down a service break early. It's going to be critical for us to keep it all under control and let our opponents play and maybe they'll make a bunch of mistakes for us."
