The Alabama women’s tennis team is set for two top-10 showdowns this weekend as it will travel to Gainesville, Fla. and Columbia, SC.
The No. 8 Crimson Tide will do battle against the No. 2 team in the country, the Florida Gators, on Friday. Alabama will then travel to face the No. 6 South Carolina Gamecocks Sunday.
In its last match the Tide rallied in a dramatic, come-from-behind victory over its in-state foe Auburn. Alabama defeated the Tigers 4-3 as freshman Natalia Maynetto rallied to win six straight games to help clinch the match for the Tide.
“It was a really exciting match,” senior Alexa Guarachi said. “Auburn always wants to come after us and they did; they played well. We battled back to win. We have had a lot of close matches this year.”
Several times this season Alabama has fought back to win tough matches. Guarachi said the never-give-up mentality has boosted the team’s confidence.
“Our fight is something we pride ourselves on,” Guarachi said. “It is something we work on every day in practice; we go out and compete, and it means a lot to us to never stop.”
The Tide is currently on a nine-match winning streak and enters two tough matches against two highly ranked opponents. Despite the winning streak and the rankings, Guarachi said the team is preparing for the match just like any other.
“We really don’t like to think about it too much,” Guarachi said. “We are focusing on the schedule; we are pumped up to play this match like any other no matter the opponent. We are going to continue to do what we have been doing, and hopefully it works out.”
Head coach Jenny Mainz said the Tide is really excited to play a top-tier team like Florida.
“I think everyone is looking forward to playing Florida,” Mainz said. “I think having the opportunity to play a perennial team like Florida is a great opportunity for us at Alabama.”
The Tide has received contributions all season from many different players, and it will look to do the same when it faces the Gators.
“We are getting help from a lot of different places,” Mainz said. “It’s not the same people every time pulling through. We are getting help from all spots, which is a positive thing for us.”
There have been many things that have contributed to the Tide’s success this season. Mainz said the little things have helped the team all year and will continue to help this weekend.
“We have been playing well and getting better every week,” Mainz said. “Things like that have helped us improve.”
Mainz said the team has a tough task ahead of it, but is working hard and will be prepared to face the Gators.
“I feel good going into the weekend,” Mainz said. “I think we are getting better. We are working on things we need to work on, we have good energy, the team is in good spirits, and I think we are going to be ready to go against Florida.”
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