The No. 25 Lady Blues tennis team is in the midst of a run that could hold eight matches in 11 days.

“Well it will sure be a lot of work,” said Lisa Coleman, senior. “Everybody can do it, though. I think it’s more of a mental thing and we should be able to overcome it.”

This past Wednesday’s match against Northwest Missouri was moved to this Thursday because of inclement weather, just two days before the MIAA conference tournament. After playing Southwest Baptist and Missouri Southern this past weekend and assuming they make it as far as the conference final, today’s matchup with Johnson County Community College will be number three of eight in a little over a week.

Today’s matchup is extra special for Coleman as it’s the last home match of her career and against her former team.

“I think it will be fun,” said Coleman. “It might not happen because apparently they don’t have a whole team. But if it does happen, seeing everybody will be fun, but I’m sure we will be able to beat them.”

Junior Diana Goldsmith, the Lady Blues new No. 1 spot singles player, will feel at home as well, today. Goldsmith transferred from Johnson County to play for Washburn this year. Goldsmith has been a difference maker for the Lady Blues this year not dropping a match yet in singles or doubles at the No. 1 spot with senior partner Julie Huyberechts.

“Diana is a big part of the success we have accomplished this year,” said Coleman. “She has won all her matches and she has done great. The other girls are performing well also.”

The Lady Blues have made a dramatic turn around from last year’s lack-luster season. The Lady Blues finished the 2006 season 13-10, this year they are on the brink of perfection with conference and the regional approaching.

“I think everybody is having a lot more fun this year,” said Coleman. “This year has been a lot of fun. We worked out our problems over the off-season and things are going well.”

So well that the Lady Blues have rebounded from the bottom of the conference this past year to being favored to win the MIAA conference tournament this weekend, April 21-23, in St. Joseph, Mo. After defeating Emporia State 5-4 April 4, for the first time in two years, the Lady Blues feel like they are the top team and are capable of beating anybody in the nation.

“It was really exciting that we finally beat them,” said Coleman. “That win just boosted our confidence and we feel that we can beat anybody if we all play well.”

Before traveling to St. Joseph this weekend, the Lady Blues will face Rockhurst tomorrow and Northwest on Thursday.

“Winning conference would definitely be a positive,” said Coleman. “Knowing we can actually beat all those teams will be nice especially if we have to play them again in the regional.”

Bods take on Northwest

The No. 22 Bods match up with No. 35 Northwest Missouri this past Wednesday was also moved to this Thursday because of inclement weather.

Thursday will likely be a preview of the MIAA tournament championship match this weekend in St. Joseph, Mo., not to mention determine who will receive the No. 1 seed.

Northwest is just one of five matches dating back to this past Thursday the Bods will have to compete in before defending their MIAA title this weekend.

“This stretch is going to be pretty tough,” said Nathan Martin, junior. “Everyone is looking forward to it. Five matches will help us rather than hurt us.”