Players Excited for Return to Court This Weekend

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FORT COLLINS, Colo. – They knew the scenario heading in, and considering what they had seen happen to other teams on campus, Colorado State's tennis team understood it was a possibility a match or two could be lost for one reason or another.

They just didn't expect big chunks to be erased.

"That for sure has been the hardest part," senior Emma Corwin said. "Even if we're testing negative, the rules for contact-tracing makes it 14 das. That's two weeks. That's eight out of our 12 matches getting canceled. You're like, we're here to play. It's the sign of the times. We're trying to roll with it, take whatever we can get."

Contract tracing was always a big concern for coaches with small rosters, and CSU coach Jarod Camerota only has seven players active this year. If one positive can contact trace back to just a few teammates, then the roster size won't meet up with Mountain West guidelines.

When Colorado State returns to the court against Fresno State this Saturday in Laramie, Wyo. (1 p.m.), it will be the first time it has played since dropping a dual to Grand Canyon on March 16. It will also represent the Rams' first Mountain West action, as the team lost the first four scheduled due to COVID-19 issues on the team.

In all, the Rams have played just four of 12 scheduled matches this season, producing a 1-3 record. Their opponents this weekend have more than doubled the court time. The Bulldogs are 10-4 overall (3-1 in the MW), while Sunday's foe, Nevada, is 5-5, 0-4.

"Right now, I'm really excited," said graduate student Lou Regen. "When we had to go into quarantine a couple of weeks ago, it was very frustrating. Having matches after matches canceled, but now I feel like we're back on track.

"We have three or four weeks left. I just want to have fun, play my best tennis and really try to enjoy every single moment – practices, matches, whatever we get.

Regen knew she'd be with the program for just this season, but she said it's been worth it, even through the ups and downs. This is the last year for four of her teammates as well, and all of them would like to make the most of what remains.

Fingers crossed, that would mean the final two home matches of their careers next weekend, followed by one last road trip. They knew nothing was guaranteed, and with the way the season has played out, it still isn't. But there is hope, as some of them have already started the process of getting vaccinated.

But for now, they focus on what's in front of them, and right now, tennis is a good place to lock their gaze.

"I would say last week's practice was so fun to get back out on the court," Corwin said. "It's kind of like the final stretch here, so we're just trying to make the most of it and enjoy what college tennis we have left."

The University of Wyoming is allowing for a limited number of fans to attend the matches, which are expected to be played indoors, but could be moved outdoors, weather conditions permitting.

Top 10 Watch

Singles Career Wins
7. Heidi Auvinen 61
8. Alyssa Grijalva 59
9. Three tied 56
Close: Emily Luetschwager 53

Singles Career Dual wins
10. (tie) Bobbe Vasos 42
       Sonal Patel 42
Close: Emily Luetschwager 37

Doubles Career Wins
2. (tie) Sanja Hansson 60
     Amanda Bartz 60
4. Catherine Sullivan-Sauvageau 58
5. Alyssa Grijalva 57
6. Allison Lisle 56
7. Alana Colglazer 53
8. (tie) Emily Luetschwager 52
     Priscilla Palermo 52

Doubles Career Dual Wins
8. Allison Lisle 33
9. Heidi Auvinen 31
10. (tie) Emily Luetschwager 30
       Anne Andersen 30
Close: Alyssa Grijalva 29, Priscilla Palermo 28

Follow us at -- Twitter: @CSUTennis | Instagram: @csuramstennis | Facebook: @CSUTennis

- CSURams.com -

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