Jayhawks finally enjoy some fun in the sun

By Jeff Fedotin     Mar 11, 2007

After sophomore Edina Horvath scored the final point of her match to seal Kansas University’s 5-2 defeat of Nebraska University at Robinson Courts, the rest of the girls tennis team enveloped her in celebration.

“They showed a lot of team spirit toward each other,” KU coach Amy Hall-Holt said. “That’s definitely a big factor.”

Buoyed by that team spirit, KU evened its Big 12 record at 2-2 and improved its overall record to 4-8 with Saturday’s victory.

The win also avenged last year’s 4-3 loss to Nebraska in Lincoln on April 5.

“Nebraska is always tough to compete against,” Hall-Holt said. “I’m very, very proud of the girls.”

The Cornhuskers fell to 6-5 overall and 1-4 in the Big 12.

Doubles teammates Horvath and Elizaveta Avdeeva are establishing an impressive conference mark. Saturday’s 9-7 defeat of Imke Reimers and Diana Kuhl improved the duo to 4-0 in Big 12 play.

“On the court we can communicate really well,” Horvath said.

Avdeeva, a junior and KU’s No. 1 singles player, has served as a strong mentor for Horvath.

“She’s a good leader with Edina,” Hall-Holt said. “That’s one thing Eliza has done is taken her under her wing and really helped her out.”

Sophomore Yulian Svistun, KU’s No. 5 singles player, also continued an impressive streak. She defeated Marianne Cicamanec, 6-1, 6-2, to notch her seventh consecutive singles win. Svistun’s better mental outlook, along with her forehand and backhand skills, have paved the way for her success this year.

“The confidence factor is what’s giving her the big boost,” Hall-Holt said. “She’s playing with a lot of aggressive and offensive game. She’s definitely improved since last year.”

KU won three other singles matches. No. 2 Kunigunda Dorn defeated Kuhl, 7-5, 2-6, 6-2; No. 3 Horvath defeated Wiveca Swarting, 6-3, 6-2; and No. 6 Stephanie Smith defeated Ashley Finnegan, 7-5, 6-2.

“Our girls are improving with every match,” Hall-Holt said.

Prior to the singles matches, KU won two of the three doubles matches. In addition to Avdeeva and Horvath’s win, Dorn and Smith beat Cicamanec and Finnegan, 9-7.

Hall-Holt credited the team’s physical conditioning for its success, particularly during late-game situations.

“Right now we’re on top of our physical fitness,” Hall-Holt said. “We’re definitely in good shape.”

Saturday’s matches – played during a beautiful but blustery day – represented KU’s first outdoor contest this season. Despite the wind gusts, the players – who practiced outside all week – enjoyed the conditions.

“I was really excited to play outside,” Horvath said.

KU plays at Robinson Courts again at 11 a.m. today against Louisville. The Jayhawks defeated the Cardinals, 4-3, last year.

“It’s going to be a tough match,” Hall-Holt said. “We’ve got to take the momentum we have today.”

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