Sam Houston tennis opens slate on Friday
9/15/2016 11:26:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By: Jeremy Villaneuva, Media Relations
Sam Houston State tennis head coach Ron Hubbard begins his Bearkat career when his team opens the 2016-17 season Friday at the Islander Open.
The Kats originally were scheduled to open the season last week, but Hubbard – who enters SHSU as the program's eighth head coach – sought it best to hold off and open in Corpus Christi.
“We replaced our initial opening weekend with the Islander Open to get an extra week to get to know the girls to put in my way of doing things,” Hubbard said. “I know the girls are anxious to get ready and play. This will be three weeks of practice. Ultimately, our whole schedule is built to prepare us for January.”
The main thing Hubbard wants to install is tactics and strategies in doubles play following the Kats' play last season.
“I am looking for improvement in that aspect,” Hubbard said. “If we improve, that's what I want. We are going up against some stiff competition, which is great. I have a certain way of doing things and if they do it and it doesn't work out, it's on me. The main thing right now for is me to get to know these girls better.”
The Bearkats return seven players from last season's roster including sophomore Ema Barkovic, juniors Carrie Casey, Fabienne Gettwart, Mila Milanovic, Caitlyn Mitchell, Khee Yee Wee and senior Bailey Van Dyke. Last season SHSU failed to make the Southland Conference tournament after winning just two contests.
“Looking at the girls results last year, they struggled so much with the doubles and there were six or seven W's left on the table,” Hubbard said. “I think that will put us on the mix even more. Our first goal is to make the tournament. As we work through the fall, we will focus on team goals to accomplish. First and foremost is that the girls have told me they want to be in the Southland Conference. Right now the most important thing is that we improve.”
Following the Islander Open, the Kats will travel to the Rice Invitational before October tournaments in Dallas and Waco.
“I am excited about our schedule,” Hubbard said. “We have some nationally ranked teams on the schedule. We might be adding one more. I am excited about opening up this fall as well as the spring slate.”
First serve for the three-day tournament is set for 9 a.m.
