After tough nonconference stretch, Idaho returns to Big Sky play
The Idaho women’s tennis team didn’t have what many would consider a relaxing spring break.
After a winless road trip in California capped off with a 5-2 loss to No. 42 ranked Fresno State March 15, they turned around and were swept by No. 35 Arizona.
“Against Arizona today we had a very tough match,” Idaho coach Mariana Cobra said following the match. “They are the strongest team we played all year and very likely the strongest team we will play all regular season.”
The first match of the break against Cal Poly was one the Vandals had chances to win. The Vandals fell in a close 4-3 battle March 14.
The Vandals look to end this losing streak Friday when they travel to Cedar City, Utah, to take on Southern Utah. The Vandals are 8-7 overall, but they currently hold a 5-1 record in Big Sky play.
The losses they’ve taken at the hands of the Bulldogs and Wildcats will help them in the long run, Cobra said.
“Playing teams like Arizona that are likely going to be in the NCAAs is going to help our confidence … So I almost look at the loss like a positive,” Cobra said. “We are getting better and competing.”
Cobra said she intentionally scheduled tough competition to help the Vandals get ready for the conference tournament. She said the team continues to improve each week, but it was important to not peak too early, which they haven’t.
“You learn a lot more from losses than you do from wins,” Cobra said. “Those losses will definitely prepare them to be successful when they matter.”
Joshua Gamez can be reached at [email protected]