POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State University women's tennis team begins its season this Saturday, January 30th at the University of Utah. Utah will not be allowing spectators at the Eccles Tennis Center but the match can be viewed on live stream by clicking here
"We haven't played University of Utah since I've been coaching at Idaho State so it's definitely a tall task because they are ranked top 50 in the nation," said Head Coach Gretchen Maloney, "I am excited to play them. It will really show us what it looks like to be a top 50 team."
Home Schedule
The Bengals host six home matches this season. Their home opener is a double header on Saturday, February 20 against Colorado Mesa with match times at 10 am and 4 pm. On March 6, the Bengals take on Dixie State in the morning followed by a match against the College of Idaho at 3 pm. On Sunday, March 14, the Orange and Black take on Utah State. The Bengals conclude their season at home on April 10 vs. Sacramento State.
"I'm really happy about our schedule because we haven't been able to play competitive matches in almost a year," Maloney said. "Our schedule this season has a lot of variety. We have tough matches and great battles ahead and new teams we haven't had a chance to play before. We are all looking forward to getting started."
Returning Players
The Idaho State women's tennis team is led by returning fifth year players Hristina Cvetkovic and Angela Walker. Both Cvetkovic and Walker were named Big Sky Player of the Week respectively during the 2020 season.
"With Hristina and Angie returning we have an excellent leadership component," said Maloney. "As fifth year returners they are able teach the new girls our culture and the importance of team commitment and work ethic."
Cvetkovic has played the number one position for four seasons for the Bengals and is looking to continue her momentum into her final season. With the 2020 season shortened, Cvetkovic finished with a 5-3 singles record and 4-4 doubles record.
Walker remains a strong player for the Bengals. She earned the Idaho State University Women's Tennis Player of the Year Award for the 2020 season. Walker finished with a 7-4 mark in singles play and 6-3 mark in doubles with partner Alexandra Arkhipov.
Arkhipov is another returning player going into her third season for the Orange and Black. Arkhipov was a reliable contender for the Bengals, finishing the 2020 season 5-5 in singles play and 6-3 in doubles at the number two spot with Walker.
"Alex really tapped into her talent last year in our final two matches," Maloney said. "She stepped up and won both at the number one position. I am excited to see where her potential takes her this year. She has the ability to play amazing."
Adriene Pavek also enters her third season as a Bengal. The Pocatello native went 2-2 in singles play and 3-0 in doubles play.
"She has worked so hard and has added variety to her game. Adriene always gives her best when she is on the court," said Maloney.
Pavek looks to keep improving her record during the 2021 season.
Fresh Faces
Also on the 2021 Idaho State Women's tennis team are five fresh faces. Freshman players Hana Cho, Keilyn Kunimoto, Megan Lang-Gould, Lola O'Lideadha, and Sol O'Lideadha all look to make their mark.
"Hana is super strong both tactically and mentally," said Maloney. "Keilyn is going to make her opponents work for every point and Megan has the ability to hit winners easily. I am eager to see how the twins do together on the doubles court. They are both strong mentally and have been training really hard."
