The SHSU tennis team will spend the next few days preparing for a busy weekend. The squad is scheduled to play three matches on its home court this weekend, weather permitting.
The girls will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m., playing Nicholls State in a conference match. They will then face off with Tarleton State University at 2 p.m. On Sunday, the Bearkats will conclude the weekend with another Southland Conference match against Southeastern Louisiana University.
The team is looking forward to the weekend, despite the loss of their No. 3 singles player Fatima Benboubker, who is also a doubles player. Benboubker suffered injuries to both of her ankles over Spring Break. As a result, she will be out for at least two weeks.
“I feel bad about (not being able to play), but I think we’ll do pretty good this weekend,” Benboubker said. “I think we have a really good chance at winning all three matches this weekend.”
Last weekend, the squad suffered a loss to Lamar University.
“From what I understand, we lost some easy matches that we needed to win, but the problems that kept us from winning those matches are most definitely fixable problems,” Benboubker said.
“We played rather well in our doubles against Lamar, and I think Coach (Shankles) was pleased with how we played, but we just didn’t have it in singles that day,” said Shanna Elias, the No. 6 singles player.
However, the girls are still looking ahead. They expect to post a few wins on the board this weekend, which would put them in a better spot in conference.
“We are looking for this weekend to help us out a great deal. It would be great if we had a few more fans come out and watch,” Elias said.
Benboubker is looking forward to being able to return to competition. Despite not being able to play this weekend, she said she has a good outlook for the upcoming matches.
“I think we can handle these three teams. I just look forward to coming back,” she said.
Tara Shelander, the No. 1 singles player, has been playing well lately, as has Mounia Hassib. Both have been providing some exciting matches recently, as have the other girls.