Jan. 11, 2012
Honolulu, Hawaii – The University of Kentucky women’s tennis team will begin its spring season tomorrow in the beautiful Aloha State. The team is participating in the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Wahine Spring Invitational from Jan. 12-14.
The Wildcats hope to use this tournament as a tune-up event for the spring season.
“How we start during the month of January will be critical and will positively influence the rest of the season,” said seventh-year head coach, Carlos Drada, “The purpose of our Hawaii trip is to compete outdoors and to play a lot of high quality matches against teams that are similar in level to our team. During these matches where similar level prevails, the deciding factor will be the mental approach that we give each match.”
With five newcomers and six returners with only one season under their belts, this tournament will be a learning experience for all. Drada is expecting every player to test themselves during the tournament in order to set the tone for the season
“In order to have the results that I think we are capable of, we depend on every player,” said Drada, “We will only succeed if each player gives maximum effort through the season.”
Junior Jessica Stiles and Sophomore Khristina Blajkevitch have bought into Drada’s message, working hard enough in the fall season to earn the 34th spot in the doubles teams’ rankings.
The tournament boasts a sold field for the Wildcats to compete against. During the three days, UK will take on Hawaii, Kansas and Washington State. This will be the second time UK has seen Kansas this year, as they competed against them in the Kansas Invitational during the fall season.
For continuing coverage of UK women’s tennis log on to UKathletics.com.
