Women’s tennis finally healthy
This post was written by staff writer Bret Greenberg.
A year ago the Illini were struggling to put a full lineup out on the court because of injuries. This year, knock on wood, they have not only stayed relatively healthy, but they have proven they can be a force in the Big Ten. Last year, in head coach Michelle Dasso’s first year at the helm, the team went 5-17, winning only one conference match. This had a lot to do with the team playing hurt, sometimes to the point of forfeiting certain courts because they couldn’t field a full lineup.
This year the Illini are 11-9, 7-3. Part of this turnaround was sparked by the play of redshirt freshman Leigh Finnegan. She was forced to redshirt last season when she fractured a bone in her foot. This year she has come back strong, playing on court two singles and doubles. She even made the Illini of the Week honorable mention this week for defeating Iowa’s Milica Veselinovic, who hadn’t lost a singles match in the Big Ten all season.
Recently, the team has had a couple bumps and bruises, but nothing too serious. Sophomore Megan Fudge’s back and Kristina Minor’s ankle were dinged up, but they say it’s nothing. Fudge has been receiving some treatment for the back and Minor wears an ankle brace, and it seems neither of them has slowed down a bit in their matches. Don’t worry, these girls are warriors.