Wright State split two matches last Sunday falling to Ball State 7-0 but bounced back in the evening with a win against Wittenberg 5-2. The Raiders’ record is 3-5 as they have been battling through injuries all season.
“Even though you see the losses, we’re all very excited about the future,” WSU interim head coach Todd Tucker said. “We wanted to come in here this year and change the culture. Each day it’s getting better and better. You don’t see the wins yet, but in 12 months, you will see the wins. It’s all part of the process.”
Upperclassmen out with injuries
Senior Lauri Makikalli (wrist) was First Team All Horizon League the last two seasons with an 18-12 singles record last year. He is 2-0 this year in singles.
Senior Mason Bourbon (ankle) was 3-8 in singles last season but has not played this season.
Senior Ricardo Pineda (hamstring) is 2-2 this year with a doubles record of 2-1. He was 16-19 in tournament singles play last season.
Junior Marc Sodini (wrist) was 2-3 in doubles last season and 0-4 in singles this year.
“Four of our best players are all injured,” said Tucker. “You’re missing guys who have been here playing for years. It’s different when you have freshmen and sophomores playing seniors.”
The goal is to improve
Freshmen Simon Cote and Andrew Connolly have stepped up for the Raiders each with singles records of 3-1 on the season.
“Our goal right now is to focus on improving, not necessarily to win,” said Cote. “Our ultimate goal is to be ready for when we play conference matches. If we work hard, then we will be ready.”
Cote has had success in doubles as well with a 2-1 record when paired with Pineda. Dan Gilbert and Myles Harris have been successful in doubles as well with 4 wins and 2 losses.
“There all playing so good,” said Tucker. “Losing is hard. The process is very very hard. Once we get there all of us are really going to enjoy it.”
Up next
The team will travel to South Carolina for five matches over Spring Break starting with Limestone on Sunday, March 1. The next home game for the Raiders will be against Western Illinois at the Dayton Center Courts on March 16 at 1 p.m.
