The West Virginia women’s tennis team looks to extend its winning streak to eight matches Sunday when WVU takes on California, Pa., at 2 p.m. at the Ridgeview Racquet Club.
Although the Vulcans are a Division II school, they should be a formidable opponent for the Mountaineers, according to WVU head coach Marc Walters.
California is 9-3 and ranked No. 13 in Division II. This season the Vulcans have wins over D I opponents such as Duquesne, Villanova and Youngstown State.
"I don’t look at it as playing a lesser team," Walters said. "Their lineup is as good as any team that we’ll see, and our girls are looking forward to an opportunity to play a team that’s as solid and as deep as Cal."
One key factor in Cal’s recent success has been newcomer Julia Cohen, a junior who transferred from Miami this season. She is currently 4-0 on the season and in the No. 1 spot in the Vulcan lineup.
She recently beat the top-ranked player in Division II.
"She’s one of the top players in the country at any division," Walters said. "She’s probably going to be a contender for an individual national championship in Division II."
WVU’s Stephanie LaFortune will face Cohen in the No. 1 singles spot.
After struggling to start the season, LaFortune has won her last two matches and Walters believes she can maintain her success for the remainder of the season.
"Last year, she had five or six wins in her last 10 matches, and she was in position to win a couple matches at the Big East," Walters said. "She’s been contributing in doubles, and she’s only going to get better."
The play at the bottom four spots in the Mountaineers’ lineup has been constant also.
The group of junior Ashley Pilsbury (No. 6), sophomores Veronica Cardenas (No. 3) and Katie Haught (No. 4), and freshman Emily Mathis (No. 5) has a combined record of 31-11 so far this season, and have been a big part in the team’s success.
"When one girl doesn’t have a good day, somebody else comes through," Walters said. "I’m really looking forward to seeing all of them continue to play with the confidence that they have right now."
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