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Tennis splits in coliseum

Sophomore Malini Wijesinghe earned a pair of singles wins in the Coliseum Classic.
photo by Justin Limoges

The Bradley tennis team drew a program record crowd of 353 fans Saturday night as the Braves hosted Saint Louis and Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis in the inaugural Coliseum Classic.

Although the team did not reach its goal of breaking the collegiate tennis attendance record of 1,032 by a longshot, head coach Matt Tyler said the event was still a success.

“We didn’t hit the attendance record we wanted, but I thought everything else was fantastic,” Tyler said. “The way the courts looked, the experience for the athletes and being able to bring a few people who had never been to a tennis match out to an event like this, I thought it was outstanding all the way through.”

Bradley’s first match did not go as hopped, losing to Saint Louis 5-2.

Just like on its spring break trip in Las Vegas, Tyler said he was not worried by the team’s slow start, but instead saw it as an adjustment period.

“We had some opportunities against [Saint Louis] that slipped through our fingers,” Tyler said. “I think we could’ve capitalized on a few situations, but unfortunately, we didn’t. There were some adjustments that needed to be made because it was a completely different environment, and even though I thought it played really well, an entirely new surface.”

Once the Braves adapted, the women started playing the type of tennis they have shown they are capable of all season as they defeated IUPUI 5-2.

The event’s success has allowed for it to become an annual match that Bradley will continue to host.

“The goal is to have it be an annual event and to continue to build on what we set in motion this past weekend,” Tyler said. “Hopefully going forward, it’s bigger and better.”

Sophomore Malini Wijesinghe had the best overall performance for the Braves on the day by going 2-0 in singles action, while splitting her two doubles matches with teammate junior Alexa Brandt.

According to Wijesinghe, playing in front of the large crowd in the coliseum incited some nerves, but she was able to use the energy to her advantage.

“Everybody was definitely nervous, but I think we were excited too,” Wijesinghe said. “Sometimes, nerves are a good thing. They can force you to focus more and play better because you know people are watching.”

The Braves will complete in a four-match home stand and open Missouri Valley Conference play next Saturday as they host Illinois State on the school’s outdoor David Markin Tennis Courts.

Wijesinghe said she has some lofty but achievable goals heading into conference play.

“I think there are only one, maybe two matches that we aren’t the favorites to win,” Wijesinghe said.  “So my goal for conference is to win every match, both as an individual and as a team. I know they’re lofty expectations, but I also know we can do it.”

Tyler said he has ambitious goals as the team is hitting their stride heading into conference play.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to feel like they’re playing well, regardless of wins and losses,” Tyler said. “From a tangible wins and losses standpoint, we want to be in the top three. That has really been our goal all year. I don’t know where in that top three we’ll fall because Wichita State and Southern Illinois are both really good teams, but we’re definitely capable of upsetting them.”

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