The T-Bird women’s tennis team will be going down to St. George for a double header on Saturday, February 10 to take on Colorado Mesa University and Dixie State University.
It has been a couple of years since the Thunderbirds have taken on Colorado Mesa and Dixie State. In their last meetings, Southern Utah lost in a close contest to Colorado Mesa 4-3, and a dominant win against Dixie State 8-1.
Recap
In their last match, on January 20, Southern Utah fell to Utah State University 6-1.
Eira Tobrand, a freshman out of Sweden, locked in the only win for the Thunderbirds in the No. 2 spot for the singles matches. After dropping the first set, Tobrand took the second two 6-2 to pull away with the victory.
In a close contest, Charity Sagiao took her match to three sets in the No. 5 spot, but came just short in the end.
Opponent Preview: Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University finished last season off with an overall record of 11-12. They are an evenly balanced team with five upperclassmen and five underclassmen.
Coming into the season, the Maverick roster has reflected their overall record, with no returning players marking a winning record. Currently, they are 2-2 on the season.
Dan MacDonald enters his 11th season as the head men and women’s tennis coach at Colorado Mesa. He has been named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 10 times (seven women, five men), and was named the ITA Women’s Coach of the Year in 2009. He is supported by assistant coaches David Smith and Roy Laird.
Opponent Preview: Dixie State University
Dixie State University went 9-8 last season and are coming into this season bottom heavy with six underclassmen of the total nine rostered players.
The Trailblazers are off to a better start this year with a 3-1 record, taking their loss from Metro-State Denver in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Head coach Eric Pelton has been with the program since the sport was added to Dixie State athletics for the 2006-07 season.
Start Time
The two matches on Saturday, February 10 will begin at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (MST) in St. George, Utah against Colorado Mesa University and Dixie State University.
Follow Us
Follow the Thunderbirds all season @SUUWTennis on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Women’s Tennis page on Facebook.
Read all about the Thunderbirds sports on www.suutbirds.com.
Story By
SUU Athletics Strategic Communications