The Gophers women’s tennis team looks to continue its hot play when they take their four-game winning streak into Michigan this weekend as they head back into Big Ten play.
Minnesota is set to play Michigan on Saturday and follow that up with Michigan State on Sunday. Heading into the weekend the Gophers’ record stands at 1-1 in the Big Ten and 7-3 overall.
A weekend sweep would be a big step toward establishing themselves as serious contenders for the Big Ten crown.
The fact that the team will be heading on the road for these two crucial games is almost a positive for this group of women. They spent last weekend travelling to Kansas and Missouri to pick up a set of victories, which included a very strong showing in a 7-2 win over Kansas.
In fact, things are going almost as coach Martin Novak imagined they would.
“The purpose of the two road trips last weekend and our match in Boston was to get us ready to go on the road against Big Ten teams,” Novak said.
Because of the team’s four straight victories, it should come as no surprise that the team has a great deal of confidence heading into the weekend.
“I feel we have a very good chance of winning both games, Michigan will be a little tougher, but if we play up to our ability, we will win,” Nora Sauska said.
Novak feels that this team has continued to improve as the year has gone on. He also says that is only one aspect of winning tennis.
“Talent alone doesn’t win, we have to be disciplined, show courage, and set nagging injuries and illness aside to win matches,” Novak said.
Even though Michigan is supposed to be the tougher team this weekend, it doesn’t matter to Novak, he is just concentrating on his team playing well and staying focused no matter who they play.
Maybe even well enough to extend that winning streak to six and stake a realistic claim for the Big Ten title.