Ranked 35th nationally, team looks for big showing
Momentum plays a large role in sports. If that holds true, the rest of the Big 12 Conference had better keep an eye out for the Colorado women’s tennis team this week. The Buffs enter the Big 12 Championships as the No. 4 seed. The team has a first round bye in the tournament, which begins on April 26 in Kansas City, Mo.
CU wrapped up their regular season action this past weekend as the Buffs took down Oklahoma and Nebraska consecutively. With the victories, the team has now won six straight matches, which is the its longest winning streak in eight years. The team’s record improved to 16-6 overall and 9-2 in conference play.
At number two doubles play, the tandem of Melisa Esposito and Martina Sedivec ended the conference’s regular season unbeaten. Their Big 12 record was a perfect 9-0 on the season and 13-2 overall. Sedivec, the lone senior on the squad, said she likes the Buffs’ chances heading into the postseason.
“I feel good, both individually and for the team,” Sedivec said. “I think we have picked up momentum throughout the season. We all feel pretty fresh and ready for what’s to come.”
CU sophomore Monica Milewski, who is ranked among the top 35 singles players in the nation, doesn’t think that any one team in the tournament stands above the rest.
“I can’t say that one team is our biggest competition,” Milewski said. “On any given day, anybody can be competitive with us and any team in the Big 12 can come out and play great tennis.”
When asked about their goals, the women’s tennis team made it quite clear that they intend on winning the Big 12 Championship title come Sunday. Milewski also talked about how important it is that the team is coming into the tournament on a high.
“The last two matches were really important to show that we stuck in it until the end,” Milewski said. “We stayed strong, played really well and it is big for team confidence.
The Buffs kick off tournament play on Friday, playing the winner of the Oklahoma State/Iowa State match.
If the Big 12 goes well, more postseason play could be in the Buffs future. The NCAA Tournament field is made up of the top 64 teams in the country and Milewski remains confident that the Buffs are one of them.
“Oh definitely,” Milewski said. “I think we have a great chance.”
Contact staff writer Ben Dignan at Benjamin.Dignan@thecampuspress.com
