The No. 29 LSU women’s tennis team kicks off its first home matches of the spring season against Louisiana-Lafayette and Prairie View A&M. Senior Nicole Kantor said she looks forward to not having to travel and anticipates a solid crowd. ‘ ‘Other athletes come, and a lot of swimmers come to our matches,’ she said. ‘Playing in front of our home crowd is going to be an advantage, especially against an in-state rival.’ Kantor is coming off a winning performance in doubles last weekend at the UVA Winter Invitational against North Carolina. She said the team has already gelled together nicely. ‘This year we have really good team cohesiveness,’ Kantor said. ‘Everyone seems to get along really well, probably the best since I’ve been at LSU. That’s definitely a positive because it’s really important to be on the same page with your teammates.’ While optimistic about her team’s chances this season, Kantor said she realizes the team lost some key seniors. Mykala Hedberg, Chandler Kleinpeter, Staten Spencer and LSU’s only three-time singles All-American, Megan Falcon, all finished their eligibility for the Tigers. There are only eight players altogether on the new squad, and three are freshmen. LSU women’s coach Tony Minnis said his team lost a lot of experience and talent from last season, but he’s impressed with what he’s seen thus far. ‘I think we have a young team,’ Minnis said. ‘It’s hard for them to understand how important it is to play with consistency. I wouldn’t say it’s a weakness, but I’d say it’s more of an experience. You’ve got to make sure you’re solid each and every time you’re out there.’ Kantor said it has yet to be determined how the freshmen will handle the responsibilities and pressures of Southeastern Conference tennis later in the season. ‘There are a lot of freshmen on the team who might not be as experienced,’ she said. ‘But they could very well take the pressure and do really well. It’s kind of an unknown thing right now.’ Minnis said the most important player as the season progresses could be senior Hannah Robinson, who has been battling injuries. ‘ ‘A lot’s on Hannah Robinson,’ Minnis said. ‘She was an All-SEC player her sophomore year. She hurt her back, and she struggled last year. I feel very confident if we can get her back to her old form then we can do pretty well.’ Kantor echoed Minnis’ sentiments. ‘Hannah’s a vital player for our team,’ Kantor said. ‘She’s just now coming back into tennis, but she’s really going to be important.’ Minnis said the team can’t sleep on Louisiana-Lafayette if it expects to succeed. ‘When we played them last year, it was a very tight match,’ he said. ‘You learn any time you step on the court you need to be ready to play. ULL will be a challenge.’ Minnis said he is geared up for the home opener and is ready to see what his team is made of. ‘It’s very exciting,’ Minnis said. ‘I’m really impressed with our freshman, and I’d like to see what we’re capable of.’ LSU will begin the dual match against Louisiana-Lafayette at 11 a.m., followed by Prairie View A&M at 3 p.m. at W.T. ‘Dub’ Robinson Stadium. —- Contact Rowan Kavner at [email protected] ‘