Is this Penn women's tennis team destined to struggle in away matches?
Fans of the Quakers must be asking themselves this question. Currently, the team's play is significantly better at its home court, Levy Pavillion, where the Quakers are 4-0. Penn is only 1-1 on the road this season.
This weekend, Penn will have the chance to break through the .500 barrier and make amends with its road woes against a pair of formidable foes.
The No. 33 Quakers visit No. 72 Maryland tomorrow, which marks their first away match in over a month.
Maryland has not been an easy team to visit this season. In their last home contest, the Terps won all nine matches in a 7-0 rout of Dartmouth.
The Quakers believe that it is this home court edge that may help Maryland in its fourth home duel of the season.
"All the tennis courts are of the same measurements, it's just about the fans," Penn sophomore captain Sanela Kunovac said. "If you are mentally tough, you are in a different zone where it wouldn't matter if you are playing in Alaska or at home."
The Red and Blue follow up the Terps with Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday. VCU -- ranked No. 44 -- is a gritty adversary that rises to the level of its opponents. The Rams are coming off a 5-2 upset of No. 25 Miami.
After winning their last four matches by a combined score of 24-4, the Quakers are eager to play a challenging opponent like VCU.
"Naturally, everyone likes playing good teams," Kunovac said. "Of course, it's all right if we always win 7-0, but it's a lot sweeter when you have to fight for it."
When searching for the core of the Rams, one does not need to look any further than coach Paul Kostin. His hardware includes the 2000 trophy for National Coach of the Year from the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. He has also compiled a 508-168 personal win record.
Kostin, however, realizes that the Quakers have enough talent to overpower the Rams.
"Tell the coach to leave those big guns at home," he said in reference to No. 33 Alice Pirsu and Kunovac, Penn's top two players.
Kostin almost ended up getting his wish. Over the past few matches, Pirsu has been bothered by her right elbow, and Kunovac has experienced pain in her knees.
In the Quakers' last match, a 4-3 win over Virginia, Kunovac's pain was so intense that she was forced to retire after she had battled back from a one-set deficit to force a third set.
Fortunately for the Quakers, both stars are expected to play this weekend.
Penn coach Michael Dowd does not expect to see any decline in the quality of Pirsu and Kunovac's play.
"They are both close to 100 percent," Dowd said. "Our athletes are professionals, and they know how to play through some pain."
Coach Dowd believes that the Quakers -- having won their last four matches -- hold a considerable mental advantage over their upcoming opponents.
"This team does not know what losing is," Dowd said. "We won the Ivies last year and also many of our players came from winning programs.
"So when it comes down to a deciding match, our key is our confidence."
