Women’s tennis returns for new season with confidence for Kickoff Classic tournament

If there's one thing the tennis team isn't lacking, it's confidence.

On Saturday, the Nebraska women's tennis team meets No. 24 Arkansas at 3 p.m. to kick off competition at the Kickoff Classic, a dual that head coach Scott Jacobson believes will go in favor of his team, despite being the underdog.

While Arkansas may be ranked higher than Nebraska, Jacobson, who is entering his 21st season as head coach at Nebraska, points to an experienced Husker team as a reason for confidence.

"We return our entire team from last year," Jacobson explained. "The past two years we've made it to the NCAA tournament, so returning everyone from last year is very encouraging."

What's even more encouraging is the fact that Nebraska made it to the tournament last year despite losing its team captain.

Mary Weatherholt, a senior from Prairie Village, Kan., tore her ACL early in the season last year and was unable to compete.

Weatherholt's return is very encouraging to for coach Jacobson.

"We're really excited to get her back," Jacobson said. "She has recovered from the injury 100 percent and is going to make an immediate impact on the team."

You can't really blame Jacobson for his enthusiasm when it comes to Weatherholt's return.

As a freshman, Weatherholt had an astounding 20-2 singles record, was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and was selected to the All-Big 12 singles team. By the end of her sophomore year, she climbed to No. 1 in career singles winning percentage (.861) at Nebraska and was once again named to the All-Big 12 singles team. She was awarded a medical redshirt for the 2011 season.

As the Huskers prepare for No. 24 Arkansas on Saturday, they will be looking to build off their successes of last season where they concluded the 2011 campaign with a 4-2 first-round loss to Tulsa in the NCAA Championships.

"It's going to be a great dual match," Jacobson explained. "It's a great chance for our team to play a team who is ranked a little higher than us. We're really excited to play a top-notch team like Arkansas."

Saturday's winner will face off against Dartmouth or Northwestern in Sunday's championship match. Nebraska will be led by seniors Madeleine Geibert, Jennifer Holmberg and, of course, Weatherholt.

"I think the girls are confident, and they should be," said Jacobson. "We've made it to the NCAA's the past two years, and last year we did it without Mary (Weatherholt). This is one of the most talented teams we've had and they have a chance to do some great things."

jcreid@

dailynebraskan.com