Eagles see pair of matchups on Saturday in Knoxville
Things can change in the blink of an eye, and Carson-Newman men’s tennis know that firsthand.
Video: Jim Frederick Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Things can change in the blink of an eye, and Carson-Newman men's tennis know that firsthand. Last Saturday, the Eagles were ready to face the Union (Ky.) Bulldogs before the match was cancelled due to COVID-related issues for Union (Ky.). So, now the Eagles look ahead to this Saturday, Feb. 13, to continue the 2021 season against Belmont Abbey and Tennessee Wesleyan at the Knoxville Racquet Club.
Carson-Newman men's tennis saw their first action of 2021 this past Wednesday when they made the short travel to Athens, Tennessee to face the Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs. The Eagles fought hard but would end up losing by a team score of 6-1. The Eagles and Bulldogs will in fact see each other again for the second time this week Saturday night under the Knoxville lights.
"Guys did not play very well on Wednesday. Ids Waterbolk (Bennekom, Netherlands) played well but overall we have to get better," head coach Jim Frederick said. "We know we're missing some couple key pieces but the team knows they have to set up to the challenge to get better this season."
This marks the first time the Eagles and Crusaders of Belmont Abbey will compete against each other. The Crusaders were 7-8 overall and 2-0 in conference play last season prior to the season being cut short. They will be playing for the second time this spring on Saturday after falling by a score of 4-3 to the Augusta Jaguars this past Tuesday (Feb. 9).
The Eagles and Tennessee Wesleyan have squared off nine previous times (including Wednesday), with the Bulldogs holding the 8-1 series lead. Prior to this season, the last matchup was in favor of C-N who took home the victory by a 5-2 team score. Tennessee Wesleyan finished last season 4-4 overall prior to the season shortage last year and look primed to repeat success throughout this season.
As for the beloved Eagles, they come into 2021 after a 5-5 record during the shortened season last year. To start their 2020 spring, the men's tennis program went on a four-match winning streak from Jan. 31 to Feb. 09 before getting into conference play and having the season end so abruptly.
Head coach Jim Frederick knows the challenges ahead for this year's men's team. Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the Eagles start off without a couple players and are having to adjust position play and matchups with the resources available. So, having the ability to play two matches in one day will help the Eagles to get more practice and prepare for South Atlantic Conference play later in the season.
"I would rather have it this way where we have a break in between matches instead of playing two back-to-back like our opponents will," Frederick said. "We know both opponents are very good and top tier, but we also know that playing these type of matches allow us to get the recruits we want and showcase our program."
Opening serve from the Knoxville Racquet Club is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders and then a 7 p.m. serve between the Eagles and Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs.
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