Sophomore Desirae Krawczyk prepares to strike the ball during a practice in Tempe. The women’s tennis team is preparing for its second tournament, the Thunderbird Invitational, which takes place from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10 in Tempe. (Photo by Evan Webeck)The ASU women’s tennis team struggled with doubles play in the Michigan Invitational, but that is an area where they are vastly improved heading into the Thunderbird Invitational this weekend.
Coach Sheila McInerney said the Sun Devils have keyed in on doubles play in practice since the Michigan tournament.
“I think doubles has been the biggest focus (in practice),” McInerney said. “You have to do a lot more teaching in doubles than singles.”
Sophomore Desirae Krawczyk said the extra practice has paid off and that the Sun Devils doubles play has improved.
Although the Sun Devils have experimented with different doubles combinations, McInerney isn’t ready to name her teams just yet. She said they will likely try out different teams this weekend, similar to the Michigan Invitational.
McInerney did say she would like to keep junior Leighann Sahagun and freshman Kassidy Jump together, because they played well in Michigan.
Having six weeks between tournaments is rare and means that the progress made in practice is even more critical. McInerney said the extra practice has the team in better condition than ever.
“I think they’re in much better shape (than going into Michigan),” McInerney said. “We’re not going to be as tournament ready … but we’ll be in better shape.”
Krawczyk said she is eager to compete again after the extended layoff.
“I definitely think I’m ready,” Krawczyk said. “It’s going well. I think everyone is looking forward to this tournament.”
ASU will face the Michigan Wolverines for the second time this season, but it won’t be the same Wolverine team the Sun Devils played in Michigan.
Michigan Invitational champion, sophomore Ronit Yurovsky, as well as junior Emina Bektas and senior Brooke Bolender will be competing in the National Intercollegiate Championships in New York this weekend.
ASU defeated Michigan 4-3 in singles at the Michigan Invitational, but the Thunderbird doesn’t factor in team results. McInerney said ASU may not draw any Michigan players to play against in this weekend's tournament.
Nonetheless, McInerney said the Thunderbird tournament could have a stronger field than the Michigan Invitational.
Also included are the California Golden Bears, BYU Cougars, Kansas State Wildcats and Fresno State Bulldogs. However, Cal’s top ranked player, junior Zsofi Susanyi, will be in New York, too.
McInerney said she is excited to get a look at BYU, whom the Sun Devils play in March.
“We play (BYU) this year, so it will be good to get a look at them,” McInerney said. “They’re a lot stronger than they were a year ago.”
The highest ranked player in the preseason ITA rankings competing this weekend is Cal junior Anett Schutting, ranked No. 5. However, McInerney pointed out Kansas State senior No. 12-ranked Petra Niedermayerova as a player to watch.
Doubles play begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday, and singles play will begin at 9:30 a.m. each day.
The tournament bracket will be released on Thursday.
Reach the reporter at ewebeck@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @EWeebs
