Idaho set for second tournament of season
Playing in its second tournament in Pullman in as many weekends, the Idaho women’s tennis team is no stranger to the teams it faces this weekend.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Senior Sophie Vickers observes practice Tuesday at the Memorial Gym Courts.
The Portland Pilots, Oregon Ducks and Washington State Cougars are all competing against the Vandals in the WSU Invitational Friday to Monday.
During its 19-win season a year ago, Idaho played all the teams it will see on Friday. Last spring, the Vandals lost to WSU 5-0, lost to then-No. 70 Portland 4-2 and beat Oregon 4-3 to successfully end their home schedule.
Idaho coach Mariana Cobra said it’s good for her team to play against elite competition so early in the season.
“I think we’re capable of playing with any of those teams,” she said. “A lot of the time, we have the mentality of ‘Oh they’re too good.'” I think we’re putting ourselves in a position to be successful, and playing tough competition is one of the keys to being able to perform at that level.”
Cobra said she was impressed with her team after the first tournament last weekend, especially the play of freshman Lucia Badillos. Her and teammate Beatriz Flores, who went 3-1 over the weekend, lost to fellow Vandals Sophie Vickers and Belen Barcenilla in the Gray Flight doubles, 6-1.
“She did not seem stressed at all,” Cobra said. “She had a great tournament with Betty Flores in doubles. I think she kind of got a little intimidated by playing her teammates in the finals. (I’m) very happy to see a freshman to do that well her first tournament.”
Badillos lost to Boise State’s Megan LaLone 7-5, 6-4 in the Crimson Flight singles semifinals, finishing with a 2-2 singles record in her first match as a Vandal.
Teams aren’t awarded wins and losses in the fall.
Fall tournaments are focused on individual play, leaving open the possibility of teammates playing against each other.
“It’s like ‘ugh, who should I cheer for,'” Cobra said. “It’s a lot more intense for them to play in the final of a tournament than in practice, but it’s good to see that competitive edge there and wanting to win.”
Last weekend, senior Sophie Vickers and junior Belen Barcenilla won the doubles Gray Flight at the WSU Cougar Classic.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Sophomore Galina Bykova returns a volley during practice Tuesday. Bykova finished first in the Crimson Flight consolation bracket and will play this coming weekend in the WSU Invitational in Pullman.
“Belen and I have played together now for about a year,” Vickers said. “I think on court, we click. She’s kind of the fiery one and I’m more calm but I think we compliment each other and it works out well for us.”
Vickers looks to continue her success Friday without her partner, as Barcenilla is temporarily suspended from the team for on-court issues.
“I think everyone is definitely looking forward to this we
ekend,” Vickers said. “Some very tough competition, but that’s what you want. That’s how you get better and I think everyone’s up for it.”
Conor Gleason can be reached at [email protected]