Thursday, April 26, 2007
The words “postseason play” bring to mind an array of images.
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Postseason play means a fresh start, a rise in intensity, and a “win-or-go-home” atmosphere.
But for a Kansas tennis team that suffered through a 4-16 regular season, and is currently riding an eight game losing streak, the Big 12 Championships will offer something more — a chance at redemption.
Kansas’ shot at redemption comes in the form of an opening round match with Oklahoma, the same Oklahoma team that delivered Kansas a gut-punching defeat eight days ago.
The 11th-seeded Jayhawks will take on the sixth-seeded Sooners at 1:30 p.m. today at the Plaza Tennis Center in Kansas City, Mo.
“The girls are just pumped. They want them back again,” coach Amy Hall-Holt said, “They want that match, I think we’ll definitely step it up a notch.”
The team has good reason to be motivated. Riding a six match losing streak, the Jayhawks traveled down to Norman, Okla. on April 18. Kansas jumped out to a 1-0 lead by winning two out of the three doubles matches and securing the doubles point. Kansas then looked in control of the match after straight set singles victories from junior Elizaveta Avdeeva and sophomore Yuliana Svistun at No. 1 and No. 5 singles respectively.
But Oklahoma rallied to win the final four singles matches—three in epic three-setters—and squeaked out a 4-3 victory.
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Being down in our territory in Kansas City, and having our fans around, I think it’s going to be big boost.
- coach Amy Hall-Holt
“It was definitely a heartbreaker,” said junior Lauren Hommell.
It’s rare that a team with a 4-16 record, playing at the 11th seed has such a favorable match-up. However, that is exactly what the Jayhawks have.
Oklahoma finished at sixth in the Big 12 with a 5-6 conference record, but struggled overall 8-12. Kansas, on the other hand, has been playing better lately.
The improved play hasn’t translated to wins, but the team’s weakness — its doubles play — has steadily improved over the last three weeks.
The No. 2 doubles duo of Hommell and freshman Kunigunda Dorn has won three out of their last four matches, including a victory over the nation’s 39th ranked doubles team from Texas A&M.
“Number two doubles the last three or four matches have just come up a different level,” Hall-Holt said. “I’m really proud of how they’ve come together.”
Add in the consistent play from Avdeeva and Horvath at No. 1 doubles and the team-leading 13 wins from Svistun at No. 5 singles and the Jayhawks have the necessary ingredients to score an upset at the Big 12 championships.
Hall-Holt also said that the team benefits from playing so close to home in Kansas City, Mo.
“Being down in our territory in Kansas City, and having our fans around, I think it’s going to be big boost,” she said.
If Kansas wins, it will play the three seed Texas A&M at 6 p.m on Friday.
Kansan sportswriter Rustin Dodd can be contacted at rdodd@kansan.com.
— Edited by Mark Vierthaler
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