The Bradley women’s tennis team opens its new season with its first match on Jan. 26 against South Missouri State. Head coach Matt Tyler, now in his fifth season on the Hilltop, led the team to 12-14 record last year. Though the team finished below .500, Tyler remains optimistic.
“I thought last season was good. Unfortunately, we were hampered by a few injuries,” Tyler said. “I was hoping that the regular season finish would be a bit better for us, but upsetting [Illinois State University] again in the first round of the tournament, and nearly upsetting Southern Illinois was a great way to finish.”
In a recent Missouri Valley Conference poll, Bradley ranked fourth in the conference behind Drake, Stony Brook and Illinois State. Bradley players and coaches, however, don’t appear to think the team will end fourth in the conference.
“It’s anybody’s conference,” junior Malini Wijesinghe said. “It’s going to be about who wants it the most and if we want it the most. I think we can win it.”
Tyler said he believes the team is more than the MVC poll ranks them to be. His aspirations remain high as he looks towards the young talent of the program.
“I think that if we play to our potential, we are every bit as good as Drake,” Tyler said. “We got three freshmen that will raise our level, and you will see this team come into their own. We have an outstanding chance to win the conference tournament.”
Winning the Missouri Valley Conference seems to be the unanimous team goal. Players said they feel the time is right to take the next major step to obtaining the sought after crown.
“I always think we can go higher,” senior Aimee Manfredo said. “If we play as a team and we are all mentally there, then I think we could be number one.”
The team’s optimism is prevalent, but Tyler is still focused on improving the details of the team’s gameplay, such as winning doubles.
“Doubles are always something that we’re trying to improve,” Tyler said. “I cannot overstate how important winning those doubles points are for us.”
Another aspect Tyler said he wants to strengthen as the season goes on is the team’s chemistry. Even for a sport involving single-player competition, team chemistry serves a large role.
“If you have good teammates that you love and that you have a lot of fun playing with and practicing with and you want them to win, then you’re going to fight so much harder,” Wijesinghe said.
According to Tyler, his personal coaching philosophy is centered on positive reinforcement and encouraging players to support each other.
“Especially for singles when [you are by yourself], I think it’s very important for our team to cheer each other on,” Manfredo said. “To hear cheering can uplift you and you don’t feel isolated from everyone.”
Due to a shoulder injury, Manfredo is sidelined for the rest of the season, but that does not dissuade her from contributing.
“My goal is to be a part of the team as much as I can,” Manfredo said. “I want everyone to know I am a support resource.”
Off the court, the team continues to develop the same positive attitude, specifically by spending time together. Fortunately, the team managed to secure schedules that give all players the same practice time, furthering personal development.
“We have worked on our team culture, our team environment, the relationships that the athletes have with one another, and the relationships coaches have with [the athletes],” Tyler said. “Our number one strength is who we are as a team.”
Players are focused on the upcoming season and are looking forward to facing top-ranked Drake, Missouri State and rival Illinois State.
“I feel excited and I feel prepared,” Manfredo said. “Everyone seems to be playing really well and nobody has been negative.”
In addition to key matchups, the tennis team will also play at the Renaissance Coliseum in the Bradley Coliseum Classic on April 7.
“There’s a lot of people when we play in the Coliseum. It’s a lot of fun. It brings a little more publicity to tennis,” Wijesinghe said.
The team will start their campaign this weekend on Friday, Jan. 26, againstSouth Missouri State and on Saturday, Jan. 27, against Northern Illinois in Peoria at the Clubs at River City.
