Both the men’s and women’s tennisteams will be back in action this weekend more than a week after their last match.
The 7-4 men will travel to Carbondale, Ill. this Friday afternoon where they will play against the Salukis of Southern Illinois University. Head Coach John Zych has his team aiming for payback this year, as the Salukis defeated the Billikens 6-1 last year.
“We’re really looking to redeem ourselves in this one. I know we have the players and the ability to do it,” Zych said.
The Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park will be the site of the action for the women’s team this Sunday. The Billiken women, 4-8 overall, play host to the Illinois State Cardinals.
The women’s team has never defeated Illinois State, but they remain confident going into the match.
“A win here will be huge for our confidence, all we really need to do is just believe,” Zych said.
The women’s match marks the first home outdoor match for either team this season. Both teams are excited to be back outdoors in the fresh air. The Dwight Davis Tennis Center is also much closer to the Saint Louis University campus than their indoor home, the Sunset Tennis Center, providing easy access for fans to go watch.
The men’s team is coming off two close victories over spring break. Both of those matches finished 4-3 and took place on the road in North Carolina, the latter of the two coming against conference-rival Charlotte. The win put their Atlantic 10 record at 1-1.
The women’s team had a road trip of their own over spring break, traveling to South Carolina instead. Unfortunately they were on the short end of a 4-3 decision in a loss against Coastal Carolina on March 10.
The men’s team has four matches remaining until the A-10 conference tournament in Pittsburgh on April 7. Zych believes his team could be a top-4 seed.
Women’s tennis will play seven more matches before heading to Pittsburgh on April 17.
“I think both teams can finish in the top 3 or 4 in the A-10. This is the most talent we’ve had on either side since I’ve been here,” Zych said.
