W. Tennis has Pirates set to walk gang plank

After a four-match trip to Florida last week, the Quakers (8-5) have been trying to get their energy back for today's home match against Seton Hall (4-3) in the team's last match before the start of the Ivy League season. The match is at 2 p.m. and will be held at Levy Pavilion or the outdoor Lott Courts, if weather permits. According to Penn coach Michael Dowd, the team has been "run-down" this week after the 2-2 road trip. Junior Karen Ridley has been sick and junior Brooke Herman missed last week's matches because of an injured wrist. Herman is expected to play today. Despite the recent health problems, the Quakers feel confident about today's match. "Seton Hall made it to the NCAA tournament in 1996, which was the same year we did," Dowd said. "They are a pretty good team, but they're a team we should beat." The visiting Pirates are led by four players who recently participated in the Princeton Invitational, the same number of players the Quakers sent. Those players are senior Kriss Poldma at No. 1, sophomore Laura McCracken at No. 2, senior Tammy Zawack at No. 3 and freshman Pille Arike at No. 4. The Quakers have had a solid week of practice, working on doubles drills, playing sets and improving their serves. "We haven't played them in a dual-match this year, but they were at our invitational last fall," sophomore Elana Gold said. "They looked pretty good, but if we all play as we're capable, we should be fine." Gold, who plays No. 1 doubles for the Quakers, will have to miss today's match because of an NCAA match limit imposed on players. Sitting out today will allow her to play in all conference matches this spring. Coach Dowd called Gold's doubles partner, Julia Feldman, one of the keys to today's match. "Julia is playing very good tennis right now and is ready to step it up for the rest of the year," Dowd said. "Feldman also plays No. 3 singles, in addition to No. 1 doubles, though Ridley's illness may temporarily change the lineup." A common theme among the players and coach is that they are ready for the Ivy League season, despite winning only two of their last six matches. After beginning the dual-match season 3-0, the Quakers dropped matches to Virginia Commonwealth and Richmond before last week's 2-2 effort in Florida. "I'm not concerned about the matches," Herman said. "It was good competition for us and a good way to get a few extra matches under our belt. I think we're ready for the Ivies. We have an excellent chance of winning the title."