As the weather begins to cool down, the BG women’s tennis team is just starting to heat up, getting ready to host the first tournament of the season, the BGSU Invitational this weekend.

‘[We] really like that we have the home court advantage,’ Samantha Kintzel said. ‘We know how to play for the wind in BG. We also like hosting because our friends and family can come watch. It helps to get the nerves out, playing at home in our familiar surroundings.’

Keefe Courts will be the site where several Falcons will play their first competitive matches tomorrow. Freshmen Maddy Eccleston, Katelyn Grubb and Jade Johnson, along with junior transfer Mary-Catherine Beck, will play their first matches for BG.

Sophomore Jessica Easdale was out with an injury for the majority of her freshman season and is looking forward to being back on her feet for the Falcons.

‘We’re pretty much starting from scratch because we have three freshman and a transfer,’ Easdale said. ‘We’ve been getting used to how we all react to one another for doubles and the overall team environment.’

Coach Penny Dean will kick-off her 20th season as Falcon coach at the BG Invitational.

‘I’m really looking forward to seeing our new players compete,’ Dean said. ‘[We’ll be] trying out some new doubles teams. Our biggest competition will be Akron, [but] all the others as well.’

Easdale is glad to host the first tournament, and hopes to see her fellow Falcons at the courts supporting their team.

‘BG is pretty windy, and not a lot of other schools have to deal with what we practice on every day,’ Easdale said. ‘It’s great to play at home, sleep in your own bed, and have friends and family at the matches.’

The BG Invitational is scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday and both days of matches will begin at 9 a.m. at Keefe Courts.