ISU Tennis To Take On Omaha In Home Opener

AMES, Iowa- The Iowa State tennis team will kick off the 2015 spring season at home, taking on Omaha this Friday after a week off.

As the match approaches, head coach Armando Espinosa sees it as an opportunity for his team to get back to playing at a competitive level.

“They're good,” Espinosa said. “They will be dangerous. I think anybody, if we take them lightly, could be dangerous. I think we just need to go in with the mindset of it being a chance for us to train and get better. We don't want to overlook them, but we also want to think about what's next, and Iowa is next.”

Senior Ksenia Pronina will return to the home courts after winning the top-flight title at the FGCU Invite just two weeks ago. Espinosa was impressed with Pronina's determination to win in Florida.

“I was with zero expectations going into the tournament,” Espinosa said. “For her to win it was a very good thing. We had four days of practice prior to going to compete. I don't necessarily think she was in top shape, but she did everything she needed to do to come up with a win. I was very happy with how she performed there. Hopefully it will be a good springboard for the spring season, it's just a matter of how confident she can be as we go on.”

Espinosa is not underestimating Omaha, and hopes for a win to lay the foundation for a successful spring season.

“Every time that a little school comes to play you, they want to beat you,” Espinosa said. “They're going to be feisty, they're going to be ready to compete, and we have to be ready to play.”

Play is set to begin with doubles at 12 p.m. at the Ames Racquet and Fitness Center.