The Iowa women’s tennis team will try to break its 4-4 record in the all-time series against No. 27 Wichita State today on the road at the Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex in Wichita.
There was a different atmosphere in the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex this week for the Hawkeyes. Riddled with injuries in the last few weeks, the Hawkeyes looked to be down and out. That is, until head coach Sasha Schmid introduced a new player to the roster.
Newly acquired walk-on and senior Adrienne Jensen joined the team after previously playing collegiately at Drake.
Schmid is looking for the addition of Jensen to provide an energy spark for the Hawkeyes as they prepare to face the Shockers.
“Adrienne is a tremendous spirit and a great heart; obviously, we are excited to have such a positive person added to our team,” Schmid said.
But it’s going to take more than team spirit and heart if the Hawkeyes are going to look to get their first road win since conference play began, and there’s nobody better than senior Anastasia Reimchen to help get Iowa off to a good start.
The pairing of Reimchen and Elise van Heuvelen in doubles has been difficult for opponents to stop. The duo has posted a 5-0 doubles record this season, including a victory over No. 13 Northwestern. The left-handed and right-handed combination of Reimchen and van Heuvelen has been made it easier for the two to play well together.
“We complement each other’s games,” Reimchen said. “We are very energetic and feed off each other and are always pumped and positive, which help us through difficult situation and tight matches.”
If Reimchen and van Heuvelen can get Iowa off to a hot start, then the Hawkeyes will have a strong chance of coming out with a victory.
Although Iowa isn’t at full strength against the Shockers, Schmid isn’t worried, because of players such as Danielle Burich and Montana Crawford, who have stepped up the fill the voids the past few weeks.
“Burich and Crawford have been great and done everything we need,” Schmid said. “I’m really proud of the character and grit of this team.”
Another obstacle besides the injuries for the Hawkeyes will be adjusting to playing outside.
At home, the Hawkeyes play indoors, but today, Schmid and Company will take to the outdoor courts.
“Wichita State is a good competitor and well-coached. Being an outside match, we are going to have to quickly make that transition,” Schmid said. “The more we can show our spirit and fight and put balls in the court, the better chance we have coming out with a win.”
The Hawkeyes will try to upset the Shockers before heading back to the Hawkeye Tennis Complex, where they will resume Big Ten play against No. 23 Ohio State at noon on March 25.