After defeating Lyndon State College 9-0, undoubtedly a strong start to its season, the Plattsburgh State tennis team has faltered a bit, but they are not counting themselves out.
Head coach Annmarie Curle believes the team’s confidence and positive attitude were factors toward securing PSUC’s first victory.
“The attitude of every player was enthusiastic,” Curle said. “They went into it with a real positive energy.”
After the win, the team traveled down to New Paltz to match up against its three conference opponents: Oneonta, SUNY Cortland and hosting team, New Paltz.
Over the three-day weekend, the Cardinals dropped three straight matches, bringing its season record to 1-3.
Its closest match came Saturday against Cortland.
Although the team as a whole came up short, individual players were able to win their individual matches. Kaitlyn Healy, Sarah Drexinger and Shari Forman all won their singles matches meaning the Cards broke even with Cortland in singles play 3-3.
Doubles play told a different story, with Cortland outscoring PSUC 2-1, giving the Cards a 5-4 loss in the match.
Curle said this loss was exceptionally difficult to deal with, because it was so close.
“Cortland was a bit of a disappointment because we were so close to winning,” Curle said.
One shining moment to be taken away from the weekend was Forman’s exceptional play.
Forman won all of her singles matches, improving her singles record to a perfect 4-0.
Healy, who also sits in the No. 1 slot for PSUC, came out of the weekend with one singles match win.
Healy was happy she came out of the weekend with some personal victories but acknowledges the fact that there are areas of her game that need improvement.
“I’m looking to strengthen my mental game,” she said. “I have to play smart and go for my shots when I see the clear opportunity.”
Curle touched upon areas where her team as a whole needs improvement.
“We really need to increase our footwork,” Curle said. “Our shot selection is hugely in need of improvement.”
Junior hitter Jackie Ciriello feels the weekend, while winless, can be used as a learning experience for the Cards.
“This weekend was a complete learning experience,” Ciriello said. “Our new players were all in it for winning and trying their absolute best. After this weekend, I have hope that we will give any team we are up against a hard time.”
Email Nick Pilonero at sports@cardinalpointsonline.com
