The LSU women’s tennis team will take on Tulane for the second time this season when it travels to New Orleans today, beginning a string of three matches away from home.
The Lady Tigers faced off against the Green Wave in singles play during the Clemson Indoor Classic in January and struggled to have much success, as they won only one of five matches. However, LSU assistant coach Amine Boustani said he believes the team has matured since then.
“These girls have learned to just keep fighting and working when matches get tough,” Boustani said.
This fighter attitude was on display last weekend when LSU managed a come-from-behind win against SMU, during which multiple players battled back to win matches in three sets.
“I think [the win] was huge for the team’s confidence,” said senior Ebie Wilson. “Now we have the belief that we can come back and win, even when we are down by a lot.”
LSU has not played a full dual point match away from home this semester. Some teams struggle outside of their friendly confines, but Boustani said he thinks the Lady Tigers will be up to the task.
“If they have some fans, we will just tune them out,” Boustani said. “And the good thing about tennis is most of the courts are pretty much the same. The weather will be pretty much the same as it is here, so really all [the women] have to focus on is the tennis.”
Senior Kaitlin Burns echoed Boustani’s assertion, acknowledging they have a quality opponent to play and that the Lady Tigers will have to concentrate on what they came to do if they want to win.
Tulane has given more teams than just LSU trouble this season. The Green Wave defeated SMU in a match where they demonstrated the same grit to fight back from a disadvantage as the Lady Tigers showed against the Mustangs.
One element LSU looks to improve on is doubles play. The Lady Tigers have been inconsistent in doubles play all season, only winning the point twice. Getting that first point could provide a valuable cushion in close matches against quality teams like Tulane.
“Playing against Tulane is always a battle,” Wilson said. “They get pumped up for us every year, but I think we are ready.”
