The Illini women’s tennis team kicks off the 2020 season on Sunday at home in Urbana, Illinois. The team will be competing against Texas Christian University at 12 p.m. and Eastern Michigan at 4 p.m.

The Illini haven’t officially competed since Nov. 3, so there has been considerable preparation for this weekend.

The team began practicing for the upcoming season earlier this month in Florida, where they spent a few days on an annual training and team bonding trip.

“We always go on a training trip in early January, so we spent about four or five days there and then we’ve been back in Champaign since (Jan.) 14,” said head coach Evan Clark. “So we’ve been in Champaign practicing, so we’ve had about 10 days here. We’ve got a couple more days until we play. We’ve got good preparation. We’ve been practicing conditioning, lifting, doing everything and I feel like the girls by this point are in a really good place and we’re ready to compete on Sunday.”

The Illini will look to continue the success they found in the fall with both experienced upperclassmen as well as some potential new lineup changes. Clark plans to have the majority of the team play this weekend.

“Six people play singles and we’ll have three doubles teams,” Clark said. “I would imagine the whole team will see some action between both matches. We’re excited to see how things shape up with our doubles teams and our singles lineup in general. Like I said before, we’ve got a good mix of upperclassmen and new kids. Trying to see where they fit in, and it will be a good way to see where we’re at this weekend. These will be our first matches so we’ll see where we’re at. It’s a good measuring stick and we’ll go from there.”

The team starts the season with a packed schedule ahead including hosting Duke and Southern Illinois next weekend.

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