Video: Jim Frederick Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – In a season like no other, Carson-Newman (6-4, 2-2 SAC) gets the opportune chance to play a pair of home matches this weekend. The Eagles will welcome the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (6-2, 4-2 SAC) on Saturday and then the Newberry Wolves (9-2, 4-1 SAC) pay Mossy Creek a visit.
"Everyone knows how important conference matches are and I know our players are not overlooking any match because we have goals in mind to achieve in this season. Every team needs a leader and I think Hannah (playing singles and doubles) fits that mold along with Abby Reis," head coach Jim Frederick said. "The ladies have had three freshman in the rotation so far and if they have helped us to be where we are now. It would be nice to be 4-0 but every match is important and playing at home for three straight will help our players immensely."
Saturday will be the 12th all-time matchup between L-R and C-N as the Eagles hold a 8-3 series lead. Lenoir-Rhyne has won two straight matchups over the Eagles, but C-N is 4-1 from the Buddy Catlett Tennis Complex. In 2021, the Bears are 6-2 (4-2 SAC) as they have won three straight SAC matches over Lincoln Memorial, Catawba, and UVA Wise. Their last SAC loss came on March 4 by a score of 4-3 to the Wolves of Newberry.
Sunday marks the 12th matchup between Newberry and Carson-Newman. Carson-Newman is behind in the series history of 6-5 but have won the last two matchups when the programs have squared off. 2021 has seen Newberry compile a 9-2 (4-1 SAC) and win five straight SAC matches. The last time the Wolves saw SAC defeat was on February 25 as they were swept by #20 Queens, 7-0.
Meanwhile, Carson-Newman has started their 2021 season with two out of three SAC matches falling their way. Their lone South Atlantic Conference loss came last week when the Anderson (S.C.) Trojans came to Mossy Creek and marched home with the 5-2 victory. Senior Hannah Price (Knoxville, Tenn.) leads the team with her record of 8-1 at number three singles while Price and sophomore Natasha Forrest (Jersey, United Kingdom) are 7-2 at number two doubles to lead the team in that regard in 2021.
Head coach Jim Frederick is well aware of the top-level challenges within the South Atlantic Conference. However, he also knows his team can mount up to any challenge and make the most of any opportunity in a season like no other. The Eagles also know how important it means to be playing at home after so many away matches.
"This is a big weekend for us and it's exciting that we are able to play two home matches in a row. Having home court advantage will be helpful as we compete as well," senior Hannah Price said. "I'm excited for us to play because we have put so many hours into preparing for these conference matches and this whole season."
Opening serve from Jefferson City is set for 2:00 p.m. on both days as the Eagles and Bears battle Saturday before the Wolves and Eagles square off for a Sunday matinee.
Be sure to keep up with all things Carson-Newman women's tennis on cneagles.com and via all social media accounts.
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