The Plattsburgh State tennis team will have had 11 days of rest before playing against Johnson State (2-6) Thursday.
Now, the Cardinals turn their attention to St. Lawrence in preparation for their final conference game of the season next week against Oswego.
The Cards have a record of just 0-3 in the SUNYAC and are 1-4 overall, with their lone win coming at home against Castleton to open the season. The match against Johnson State was the final home match of the season for PSUC.
Senior Emily Carlin said that even though the team hasn’t won lately, she said the team is bonding well and growing as a unit.
“Everyone is doing well in practice and there’s just a good vibe on the team right now,” Carlin said.
Junior Darnelle Guerrier said the team’s overall communication and playing ability have improved, but she acknowledged that there is still work to be done.
“I think my communication is good right now, but there’s always room for improvement,” Guerrier said.
St. Lawrence has played only one official match this season, defeating Union 9-0. PSUC lost to Union 2-7 earlier this year.
The match against St. Lawrence, who finished 16-4 last year, will mark a challenging beginning to the second half of the tennis season for the Cards.
“We’ll be on the road facing some very tough programs and a high level of tennis the rest of the way,” PSUC head coach Annmarie Curle said.
Curle knows how tough of an opponent St. Lawrence will be, but she said the team will prepare for that match like they would for every other opponent.
“We really have to be ready immediately for return of serves and tough play,” Curle said.
Higgins said that St. Lawrence is a strong team with a deep lineup.
“Their styles of play can vary by player and whatever they do go with will be very well-executed and well-thought out,” Higgins said.
The players also know how tough St. Lawrence is after being swept by the Saints 9-0 last season.
“I don’t like them because they’re very cocky and they let you know they’re cocky,” Carlin said. “They just have a way about them.”
Guerrier said that St. Lawrence is a good team, but PSUC will have prepared for them in practice and will play as best they can.
“They might be a challenge, but I think it’s something we can overcome,” Guerrier said.
“We have to prepare for that high intensity and high tempo and be ready for each point from the first to the last,” Higgins said.
Email Nick Topping at sports@cardinalpointsonline.com.
