After a twelve-day rest, the Ball State University's women's tennis team will head to Chicago to take on DePaul University on Friday.
The Blue Demons (7-4) are led by Gergana Ganeva, who is DePaul's number one player and is ranked 75th in the nation. Their number two player, freshman Dunja Antunovic, has been previously ranked in the top 100 this season. Coach Kathy Bull said she expecting a tough match.
"They'll be a handful for us," she said. "It's a tough place to play in. They will be a very tough opponent and I'm glad they're on our schedule."
DePaul's court is pit-like, as the fans stand on a circular track that overlooks the courts.
Two factors working against the Cardinals are the extended lay-off and the trip. It is five-hour drive from Muncie to DePaul's campus. Bull said the break can work both ways.
"I think you give them a weekend off and they kind of let down," Bull said. "We've really challenged them on footwork because we've been a little bit sloppy. We're just trying to extend out comfort zone and see if we can just get better."
To go along with the lay-off, the team has been battling a sickness that is going through the team. Sophomore Stephanie Farrar said it was a well-needed rest.
"As far as when we practice, not having competed in the weekend takes a little intensity out, but it's kind of good just to practice for a little while," she said.
Besides the team sickness, sophomore Jennifer Pollack experienced some swelling in her knee over the two-week break. She was wearing a knee brace in practice on Thursday, but Bull said she will be ready to go on Friday.
"I think it probably happened in the weight room," Bull said. "Also, a little bit of overuse out here [at the courts]. She took some days off last week and spent more time in the training room. She's doing very well and got her game back quickly this week."
For the first time this season, a member of the team earned Mid-American Conference Player of the Week accolades. Katie Owens earned the distinction by going 4-0 two weekends ago against Youngstown State and Michigan State. Bull said that Owens' performance against Michigan State in particular played a huge role in Owens getting the award.
"I couldn't be happier for Katie," she said. "It's well deserved and she's playing hard and she's great leader."
Match time is 6 p.m.
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