“We’re looking forward to playing more relaxed and free. The first tournament is behind us. Match pressure doesn’t prepare you for what you actually have to go up against.”
That’s what women’s tennis head coach Brad Jones said after facing Illinois State, Butler and Valparaiso at the Redbird Duals Saturday and Sunday in Normal, Illinois.
To help the Braves prepare for the season, Jones has used a simple coaching philosophy.
“The 5 P’s: Proper preparation prevents poor performance. The confidence you need, no matter who you’re facing, shows you’re confident that you have done everything to prepare yourself for the match,” Jones said.
Jones’s message was a nice reminder before the matches.
“Stay in the moment; it’s not over until you have given your opponent a handshake. Keep doing it until it clicks. Stay in the present on what you can do for your team in the moment,” Jones said.
“At the end of the day, it’s still about having fun.”
A promising introduction
Sophomore Ann Hsieh won two of three matches; she defeated Bryn Steven of Valparaiso, 6-2, 2-6, 10-3, and Sienna Miles of Butler, 6-1, 6-1. Jones had positive things to say about Hsieh and her athleticism.
“She’s fast, which allows her to maximize her weapons and her anticipation. She can see and read her opponents, and she can send the message back,” Jones said.
Junior Ruby Tseng and senior Compassion Tsai took down two opponents from Valparaiso to round out singles play.
Both doubles teams also found success.
Hsieh and Tsai defeated Illinois State’s Emma Peretti and Vittoria Benedetti 6-4.
Denver Johnson and Tseng took down Butler’s Sophie Parr and Elle Martin 6-1. Jones referenced Johnson as someone to watch throughout the season.
Bradley will return to Normal this weekend for the Redbird Invitational as they take on additional MVC competitors.
