Indiana University Athletics
Beyond the Baseline with Sarah Batty
9/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Sept. 15, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - With seven members of the 2005-06 team competing at the Western Michigan Invitation on Sept. 16-18 to kick off the fall season, senior captain Sarah Batty prepares for the upcoming year and the prestigious ITA All-American in Oct. 6-9. Last season, Batty was 19-11 overall in singles and 18-12 in doubles action.
The Chesterfield, England, native was victorious over three ranked opponents last campaign and was named Big Ten Player of the Week on April 25. Currently, Batty is ranked No. 82 in the preseason ITA poll.
Batty recently sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about the upcoming season.
What match are you most excited for?
"I am very excited to play Northwestern this year because we have not beat them in quite a few years, and I believe with the team we have this year that this could be the year we break their winning streak."
What are your expectations for the team this season?
"I have very high expectations for the team this year. We have a great team that works very hard, and I expect great things out of everybody. Two of our big goals for the team are to win the Big Ten and also to advance to the Sweet 16 at the NCAA Tournament. I think if everyone believes that we can do it then we can accomplish this."
On the competition this year in the Big Ten?
"The Big Ten is always very competitive. There are always quite a few teams that are up there at the top. I really feel that we will be one of those teams this year."
On the Hoosier coaching staff?
"Coach Loring and Ramiro are unbelievable. They are such good coaches and great people. They contribute so much to the team's success. I wouldn't change anything about them for the world."
On the strength of the 2005-06 schedule this year?
"We have a pretty tough schedule this year, but I like that it will help prepare us for the tough Big Ten season. "
What is something that most people don't know about the women's tennis team this year?
"Most people probably don't know how hard we work. We are very competitive and are all very eager to succeed. We are doing all we can mentally and physically to get that Big Ten championship."
