Women's tennis prepares for weekend Mason Invitational

Women's tennis aims to take momentum from B&S Moore Invitational into this weekend's Mason Invitational (Photo Courtesy of Mason Athletics)

This weekend the George Mason University women’s tennis team will host the Mason Invitational at the RAC courts against both Georgetown University and Mount St. Mary’s University. The invitational was set to start on Friday, but Virginia State withdrew resulting in the action starting Saturday morning against Mount St. Mary’s.

After their recent success in the Mary Washington King-Off Classic (18-9 in match play), the Patriots enter the weekend with a wave of momentum.

”I have been very pleased with everyone's performance thus far. My goal is to get a little healthier and stronger each competition,” said coach Stephen Curtis.

Sophomore Liza Davis will not be playing this weekend, as she tends to an abdominal strain. However, she is not the only player to be plagued with injuries. Senior Kiersten Pappas is joining the team this weekend after her second shoulder surgery, and is a player to watch as she attempts to regain her match toughness.

Pappas and junior Ashley Delaney will be leading the Patriots into the weekend, alongside a trio of freshmen who are making an immediate impact. Brittany Pilkington, from Virginia Beach, made it to the A Flight singles final at Mary Washington. She is an aggressive all court player who is playing very well early in the year.

After taking a brief break from tournament play, the team’s hardest hitting player Maya Hicks will also be returning to action in the invitational. Freshman Fairfax native Esu  Erdenebat has made a name for herself due to her consistency on the court. Erdenebat won the C flight at Mary Washington and also made it to the semifinals at Navy.

Mason’s fourth freshman, Katie Dewberry, is a solid tournament player who had shoulder surgery a year and a half ago and is just now returning to competition. She will be joined by returning players senior Andy Londen, who had wrist surgery last fall, and junior Kate Desiatnikova, who is currently dealing with a minor knee issue.

Even though the Patriots have faced multiple injuries, with five of the eight starters dealing with physical ailments, Curtis has stayed upbeat and positive with his outlook on not only this weekend’s event, but the rest of the year as well.

“When four of your eight players are freshmen there is definitely a learning curve and there will be some ups and downs," said Curtis. “I think with this group of players I am expecting much more ups than downs, and I expect all of our players to make huge contributions throughout the year.”

The Patriots's first match will begin at 9:15 a.m. against Georgetown and then they will face Mount Saint Mary's in the afternoon session at 2 p.m.