Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Salukis set to face Central Arkansas and Murray State
02/13/2015 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
CONWAY, Ark. - The Salukis (1-4) are set to face Central Arkansas (4-0) and Murray State (4-2) this weekend after a three-week break from competitions.
Saturday marks the first time the Salukis have faced the Central Arkansas Bears under head coach Audra Anderson. With an undefeated 4-0 record, and with the match being played outdoors, Central Arkansas could prove to be a challenge for SIU. But Anderson is optimistic.
"We haven't played many matches outside, so that's going to be interesting for us, but I feel like our team can handle it. I feel like this is a team we should be able to beat," she said.
The Salukis then take on Murray State on Sunday in Kenlake, Ky. SIU has come away with a victory over Murray State for the last five years in a row. Murray State's last win against the Salukis came in 2009.
"We've always beat them in the past, but I don't want us to overlook them," Anderson said. "This is a good team; they're strong, they have good recruits, they're at the top of the OVC. They're a team we can't overlook."
According to Anderson, the team's focus is consistency. With emphasis on movement and strategy, the Salukis are set to snap their four-match losing streak.
"We're going to have to stay consistent and patient and attack at the right time, and that's what we've been working on," Anderson said. "We've set some goals that have helped us stay focused, and we feel like we're ready."
SIU starts with Central Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by Murray State at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
