JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.—The Eagles, who were forced out of action earlier in the week due to inclement rainfall, are set to get back in action this weekend still eyeing their first win of the season against a pair of nonconference teams in the University of the Cumberlands and Southern Wesleyan at the Buddy Catlett Tennis Complex.
"What we are looking at right now is to utilize these nonconference matches," coach Jean Love said. "First of all, we need to utilize it for the experience because we have a few young folks that need to grow up. We also need to just work on the little things we need to do to in order to be successful."
Friday afternoon will kick off play against the University of the Cumberlands (3-1) at 2 p.m. as the Eagles (0-2) look to get into the win column for the first time this season. The Patriots belong to the NAIA's Mid-South Conference and return reigning NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Ariez Heshaan for his senior campaign.
Before the Cumberland's last two contest against St. Catherine College and Lincoln Memorial were postponed because of inclement weather, the Patriots racked up three wins over Union College (8-1), LMU (6-3) and Bellarmine (7-2).
Coached by 27th- year head coach Chin Tan, the Cumberlands field a roster that includes three freshman, two sophomores, two juniors and three seniors.
"It's tough to play back-to-back days, but it's also early in the season and I won't be playing the same people all weekend. A lot of different players will be getting looks over the next few days," Love said. "It will really help us out down the road because when we get into the heart of our conference schedule, there will often be back-to-back days."
Southern Wesleyan (2-4) will then come to the Buddy Catlett Tennis Complex on Saturday at 1 p.m. in search of its second win of the season. The Warriors lone win on the season came over Benedict 8-1 on Feb. 19.
Darrell Jernigan coaches the squad that features four freshman and six juniors. Southern Wesleyan concluded the 2015 season winless and were led by Camilo Sandoval with three singles victories on the season.
"It's a lot of competition this weekend, but it's a great chance for us to get in some work against teams from outside of our conference. We are really looking forward to it."
A full recap regarding all of the weekend's action against the Patriots and Warriors can be found on cneagles.com following each day's competition.
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