VIDEO: Jim Frederick Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Three back to back road trips await the Carson-Newman women's tennis team as they get ready to kick off the away stretch at Lee University on Thursday.
The Eagles had a solid victory over Virginia-Wise last Sunday at the Knoxville Racquet Club overcoming some adversity in the top singles positions. Ana Carla Resende, the freshman from Minas Gerais, Brazil, put up a fight at No. 1. Falling in the first set, she was able to come back and win in three (6-7, 6-1, 6-2). Ali Harris (Crossville, Tenn.) didn't drop a set but was certainly given a run for her money as she narrowly pulled out the second set to win her match (6-4, 7-6).
"Ana Carla learned a lot in that match," Coach Jim Frederick said. "I was pleased with the win but even more pleased with the way it happened. I know she can make adjustments but now she knows she can make adjustments. Ali played a really close match that she could've lost but refused to lose, she needs more matches and that's what will be great for her confidence."
Rolling with that momentum the Eagles turn their attention now to Lee University. C-N has gone 3-1 competing against the Flames since 2010 including a narrow victory last season winning in a deciding match played by Klara Vuckovic (Germany), a returning junior this year for the Eagles. Vuckovic defeated the now-graduated Flame, Ana Webber, handily 6-2, 6-2 to give Lee their first loss of the 2018 season.
Out of nine players on the roster, the Flames only bring back four familiar faces this time around to face the Eagles including a trio of seniors in Asia Grzegrzolka, Laura Beth Hardesty and Francesca Tondi and sophomore Carly Sickinger. Tondi clinched singles and doubles wins for the Flames last season while Grzegrzolka won only in doubles to aid in the Flames' effort. Due to Harris having an injury last season and having to retire early, Sickinger won by default. The remaining five players for the Flames are all freshmen in their first season.
"The expectation for me is to simply control what we can control," Frederick said of the upcoming contest. "If we control our effort and our attitude, we'll be fine."
The Eagles will set out to make the drive early in the morning on Thursday and begin play at 2 p.m. that afternoon. For results and more information, check back on cneagles.com.
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