Indoor courts allow Cowgirls extra practice

The Cowgirls are nervous about their first home match.

“I’m excited, but really nervous,” junior Sasha Belova said. “We have a new coach and new players and we became better and we all want to prove that. That’s our goal.”

Belova said she hopes the nerves help her and her teammates play well against Denver University on Friday.

Junior Nataliya Shatkovskaya said the first home match is always nerve-racking.

The women’s tennis team faces Denver (3-9) at 2 p.m. at the DeBois Tennis Complex in Stillwater.

The Cowgirls (4-2) have practiced on their home courts this week and said they appreciate the warm weather.

Shatkovskaya said she loves practicing in Stillwater.

“Finally we don’t have to drive,” Shatkovskaya said. “We can save time and it’s just so beautiful outside.”

Not all the players are happy about switching to the outdoor courts.
“I’m a player who likes to play indoors,” sophomore Alisa Buslaieva said. “But now we can practice more and we are getting better and better and we think we will be ready for the Denver match.”

Cowgirl coach Chris Young said he is looking forward to his first home match.

“It is always nice to be at home and have the support of our crowd,” Young said in a statement. “I want to encourage people to come out and watch these girls because they have improved dramatically and they play with great effort.”

The Cowgirls will have the advantage in the match because Denver hasn’t played outdoors yet.

Shatkovskaya said it is tough adjusting to the outdoor courts at first.

“Sometimes it just doesn’t go the way you want it,” Shatkovskaya said.

“It’s the clouds, it’s the wind, it’s the sun. But once, like every other day, I think it gets better.”

This is the first time the teams have played and Young said he is expecting a tough match.

Denver has made the national NCAA tournament the past two years and has been ranked consistently around the top-30. The Pioneers started the season ranked No. 49, but have fallen to No. 74 after losing their previous three matches.

“Their seniors at the top of their lineup are experienced players who will give our girls a great test,” Young said.