Women's Tennis Hosts Ball State to Open 2021 Season

Sunday, January 24

LOUISVILLE, KY

3:00 p.m.

University of Louisville

Ball State

Raven Neely and Maia Haumuller during the Cardinals match against Notre Dame at Bass-Rudd Tennis Center on March 8.

Photo by: Jeff Reinking | Louisville Athletics

January 21, 2021 | Women's Tennis

Cards will be in action on Sunday at the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center

By: Nathaniel Jarrett

LOUISVILLE, Ky.- The University of Louisville women's tennis team will open the 2020-21 season Sunday afternoon, hosting Ball State at 3 p.m. in the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center.

The Cardinals return to the court for the first time since Mar. 8, 2020.

This marks the third time that these two programs have faced off under head coach Mark Beckham. Louisville has won the two previous matches, including last season's 5-2 win where the team took the doubles point and four of six singles matches.

"Definitely excited to get back on the court and compete. Our sport has been on pause for 10 months. I have never been away from the sport since I was 7 or 8 years old, pretty crazy when you think about it. We are beyond ready to go on Sunday," said Beckham. "Ball State pushed us last year and I believe they have everyone back so this will be a good test. Coach Norris is a good coach, and he will have his team well prepared to play us."

Louisville posted an 8-6 overall record before the remainder of last season was canceled due to the Co-Vid19 pandemic. Seven players return from the shortened campaign, including the pair of Raven Neely and Maia Haumuller, who finished the year with a doubles record of 10-2. Sophomore Andrea Di Palma was a bright spot for the Cardinals last season. Di Palma spent most of her time at line two and three, where she posted an overall 7-2 singles record and ended the season on a high note with singles wins over No. 15 Notre Dame and Wichita State.

The lone newcomer on the team is Tatiana Simova. The top-ranked junior college player in the nation, Simova, was the ITA Player of the Month for October and competed in the Oracle ITA National Fall Championships held in Newport Beach, California. Senior Chelsea Sawyer is also available to compete for the Cardinals after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Louisville remains at home for their next dual match as they host Miami (Ohio) on Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. The results from this weekend's matches will be available on GoCards.com.