JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman women's tennis team heads to Belmont, North Carolina, on Thursday to compete in the Belmont Abbey Invitational.
Like the men, the Eagles will roll out its freshmen and newcomers to challenge the field and get experience in the early fall season event.
Freshman Kira Baacke, sidelined at LMU due to an ankle injury, has appreciated the first few weeks of acclimating to C-N and her team.
"The first few weeks at C-N were very exciting for me," Baacke said. "I love this team… We do a lot of stuff together and have a lot of fun… I feel very welcome here at C-N and in our team."
As a freshman, Baacke has enjoyed learning from the experience within the team, helping her better prepare for her first experience in college tennis at the Belmont Abbey Invitational and learning about herself in the process.
"I've learned from the girls who played last year that I am a good team player," Baacke said. "They've helped me learn that I understand everyone and am not just looking at me."
After an injury, Baacke is prepared to give it her all in her debut, hoping she can feel comfortable in match play and prove what she can do in her first collegiate tournament.
"I twisted my ankle in the first week of practice," Baacke said. "So I want to feel comfortable with my foot and trust it, and today at practice, it felt very well… I think I can play well and do my best at the tournament, and hopefully, I can win."
Baacke and the rest of the Eagles look for a strong showing, starting at 9 AM on Thursday in Belmont, North Carolina.
For updates throughout the fall season, visit cneagles.com and follow us on social media @cn_eagles.
