ASU Junior Desirae Krawczyk returns a forehand during her 6-4, 6-2 straight set win against BYU’s Mayci Jones on Feb. 14, 2015, at the Whiteman Tennis Center in Tempe. (Shiva Balasubramanian/The State Press)After ending a two-game losing streak with a win over No. 65 BYU, the Sun Devils (3-2) look to carry the momentum into Friday's match against NAU.
Last season, the two teams faced each other twice in the same day, with ASU claiming the win in both games, winning 7-0 and 5-0. However, despite the results from the teams' prior encounters, head coach Sheila McInerney isn't taking her squad's previous success for granted.
"It'll be a good match," McInerney said. "(NAU coach) Kim (Bruno) does a good job with her squad, so we're definitely looking forward to it."
After having 10 days to prepare for BYU, the Sun Devils are now faced with a shorter time frame to do so against NAU, with only six days between the two games.
McInerney said her team should actually benefit from the shorter practice week, citing the individual aspect and nature of the sport allows momentum to play a greater role than it might in others.
"It's better for them because in tennis you really want to build a sort of routine," McInerney said. "Especially heading into this stretch of the season. You really want your players out there and playing in big matches."
During the long break, ASU placed an emphasis on simulating match play throughout practice, though players explained that the practice flow returned to its normal form this week.
“It’s usually kind of the same," junior Stephanie Vlad said. "Each of us know, individually, what we need to work on from our matches, so at the beginning of the week we usually hone in on that, and as we get closer to matches we play match play."
Junior Desirae Krawczyk echoed her teammate, explaining that individual improvement is key to having a successful week of practice.
“I don’t think (the short week) factors in that much," she said. "We just need to keep coming out here and make sure that we’re doing the right things and maintaining what we’re doing well."
As a unit, the team exemplifies its coach's philosophy of taking a week-by-week approach heading into every match. Despite the big win last week being a building block for the team to continue its success, the players refuse to allow themselves to remain caught up in it without focusing on the task at hand.
“Just coming off of the two close losses (against Kentucky and Ohio State) it was good to win against BYU," Vlad said. "To have a pretty convincing win, I believe, is really gonna help everyone confidence-wise, and I think we can build on that and continue on."
The team looks to carry that confidence into Friday and beyond.
"I think we’re very confident," senior Joanna Smith said. "It’s important for us to go out there and take care of business. I think Friday will be an important test for us."
The Sun Devils will take on NAU on Friday at 1:30 p.m. in Tempe.
Additional notes
- Senior Leighann Sahagun said she is targeting March 7 as her return date. She's been out since the beginning of the dual-match season after suffering a knee injury.
- ASU tennis-signee Sammi Hampton visited practice on Tuesday. Hampton is a five-star recruit and is ranked the No. 32 recruit in the nation, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network. She is a three-time Washington state champion.
Reach the reporter at kajone31@asu.edu or follow @kaelenjones on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook or follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
