COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The LSU women’s tennis team begins play in its third fall tournament Friday as it takes part in the Wilson-ITA Southwest Regionals hosted by Texas A&M.
“We’re a lot healthier than the last time we went out, and the girls are really hungry to get back on the court and play,” head coach Tony Minnis said. “We’ve had a few weekends off, and they’re just ready to get back in the swing of things.”
There are two Lady Tigers in the qualifying draw, which begins Friday at 8:30 a.m. Daysi Espinal, the No. 7 seed of that draw, will face Martha Kruk of Texas Southern in her first match, and 15th-seeded Anastasiya Dubova will go up against Leja Sirola of Texas State.
“Last year Camila (Caliari) and Staten (Spencer) were in the same position in this same tournament, and they both ended up playing really well and making it all the way through to earn spots in the main draw,” Minnis explained. “This is a great chance for Daysi and Anastasiya to do the same and hopefully get some good quality matches under their belts so they are more match-ready.”
Doubles play also begins Friday for three Lady Tigers duos. No. 60-ranked and 4th-seeded Lauren Seaman and Tiffany Tucker square off against Erin Hunter and Katka Kovacic of Texas Tech at 3 p.m.
Also at 3 p.m., Caliari and Dubova will battle North Texas’ Sammie Moreton and Megan Schulback. Marina Chiarelli and Mykala Hedberg will face the Sam Houston State duo of Lata Assudani and Irina Sotnikova in their opening doubles match at 4 p.m.
LSU’s remaining singles players begin main draw competition Saturday at noon.