It’s too cold for tennis.
As February comes to a close, College Park has seen its share of bitter temperatures this week. While the weather outside is cold, the women’s tennis team has been forced to move practices and games indoors.
But when they take on ACC rivals Virginia and Virginia Tech this weekend, the Terps may be forced out of the warm comforts of the Tennis Center’s indoor courts and onto the facility’s outdoor courts for the first time this season.
“It can be very challenging for us, because I can’t tell you on Wednesday where we are going to be on Friday or Sunday,” Terp coach Martin Novak said.
Weather.com is calling for a high of 57 today when the Terps take on Virginia in their ACC opener. Two days later, the Terps will be in another ACC battle against Virginia Tech.
The Terps will be hoping to have more success in ACC competition this season after going winless in 11 matches last year.
“It is probably one of the toughest leagues in the United States, and you cannot hesitate for any of these teams, because they are all very good,” Novak said.
The No. 29 Cavaliers are 6-2 this season and most recently shut out Richmond, 7-0. Five of Virginia’s wins have come against ranked opponents including now-No. 21 TCU.
“Virginia has stepped up their program with their new coaches and facilities,” Novak said. “They are matching their athletics with their academic reputation.”
On Sunday, the Terps will be heading to Blacksburg, Va., to take on the No. 39 Hokies (6-2). Virginia Tech has wins against two ranked opponents, Iowa and No. 37 Ohio State, but lost to No. 36 Virginia Commonwealth last Saturday, 6-1.
The Terps lost to both Virginia and Virginia Tech by the same score, 6-1, last season and have dropped the last four matches combined to those teams. The team is also 0-4 this season against ranked opponents.
“No matter if we are inside or outside, both matches can be had, and we just have to put up a lot of movement and energy,” Novak said. “Do I think we have a shot? Absolutely.”
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