Indiana University Athletics
Beyond the Baseline with Laura McGaffigan
11/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Nov. 28, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - After wrapping up the fall season with five singles wins and just two losses, junior Laura McGaffigan and the Hoosiers are eager to get the spring campaign underway. So far in singles play, McGaffigan faced two ranked opponents and recorded wins over both. The fall doubles slate included a trip to the ITA's All-American tournament in Pacific Palisades, Calf., and seven victories with partner Sarah Batty.
The Hoosiers open up spring action on Sunday, Jan. 15 against Miami (Ohio) at 9:30 a.m., and Western Michigan at 2:30 p.m., at the Varsity Tennis Center.
What match are you most excited for?
I think we are always most excited for the Big Ten matches in an effort to peak for post-season play. I was so excited to travel to Pacific Palisades, Calif., to compete with Sarah (Batty) at the ITA All-American Championship.
What are your expectations for the team this season?
I think our team will be very strong this year. We only had one senior graduate last year (Dominika Walterova), and we have a great group of freshmen who have joined us this fall. If we can stay healthy and injury-free, we should achieve a very high national ranking.
On the competition this year in the Big Ten?
Northwestern always seems to be the team to beat. With the depth our team has this year, I think we have a legitimate chance for the Big Ten title.
On the coaching staff?
Our coaches are extremely thorough in having us prepared for every match.
Knowing that they have devised a game plan for each of us and scouted our
opponents make us very confident, especially in pressure situations.
On the strength of schedule this year?
Our schedule is very strong this year. Playing tough competition makes us
better players and gives us a chance for "upset" wins.
What is something that most people don't know about the team this year?
While our team may not look it, our team is very diverse. We have girls from Germany, Spain, Puerto Rico, France, and England, as well as girls from many different U.S. states. It has been fun learning about different cultures.
