Baylor women’s tennis turns into a doubleheader to open the spring season

Author: Gio Gennero | Sports writer

Baylor women’s tennis opens its spring season with a doubleheader on Saturday. The Bears will face the University of Houston at noon, followed by a 6:00 p.m. match against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at the Hurd Tennis Center.

After Saturday’s games, the Bears have another doubleheader on Monday against Rice University and DePaul University.

UTRGV also has its season opener Saturday against the Bears. Houston dropped its season opener to Texas A&M University on Tuesday, 7-0.

Senior Paula Barañano will now step into the leadership role following the departures of Alicia Herrero-Linana and Mel Krywoj. Barañano believes that “the team is ready” and the preparation pays off.

“We’ve been working hard this fall, the last three weeks,” Barañano said. “We’ve been working in the gym [and] on the field, so we are ready. I am very happy to play at home in these four matches. So yeah, we’re going to go out there, have fun and give you our best.”

Teams often look to establish an identity for the upcoming season, but head coach Joey Scrivano said that’s still up in the air at this point. Scrivano said he will use the first couple of weeks to get a feel and see what this group is made of.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know what the identity of the team is right now,” Scrivano said. “We’ll find out. You don’t know until you get in the heat of battle and go through adversity. I’m sure these kids will respond really well this year.

Scrivano explained that the team is looking for leaders to add to a relatively young team. He said the team doesn’t lack talent, but the dynamics and chemistry are a work in progress.

“These kids can play, it’s just that other stuff gets in the way,” Scrivano said. “If we can just stay aware, put one foot in front of the other and forget about the end result, the results are really good.”

Sophomore Brooke Thompson said she and the team are really excited to start the 2023 season. After returning from winter break, Thompson said they’ve been eager to get back on the field.

“I think we all just want to really compete hard, give 110% on the court and just fight for each other as a team and I think we’ll do that and just play with confidence to do well.” Thompson said.

Scrivano said the team’s focus is on the little things that can make or break a game, matchup or season.

“I think the players know that our expectations are things they can influence,” Scrivano said. – Things like effort and attitude, playing within the system and being a good teammate.