Injuries are part of tennis at every level, and the Cyclone women’s tennis team has found that it is not an exception.

Head coach Michele Conlon said getting hurt is common, and her team needs to show discipline to take care of itself and avoid harm.

“A lot of players right now have some bumps and bruises, along with injuries such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis in the feet or shin splints, the type of injuries that come from overuse,” Conlon said. “It’s part of the game. Right now, I’m not concerned.”

With the team roster down to six after the loss of Eve Soriano last season, the team may need to be extra cautious.

Soriano, a junior, broke her ankle in early October when her knee twisted out of place while she was walking in her apartment. She had surgery twice, and doctors put one plate and nine screws in her foot. Soriano is now walking, and beginning physical therapy.

She is expected to be ready for a return to the court in March, but with the season concluding in April, she will redshirt this season in hopes of being eligible to return.

This season’s tennis team consists of two freshmen, two sophomores and two juniors. Soriano said she fears her absence may have a negative effect on the team’s season.

“It’ll probably have a large effect on the team because we are short players, we only have six now,” Soriano said.

“We don’t have that extra person to rely on.”

The team still has the option to find a walk-on or even forfeit a match when necessary.

Conlon said past Division 1 teams have been forced to forfeit matches due to injury.

She said the game of tennis is experiencing frequent and more serious injuries.

“You see more injuries because the game is more explosive, the technology is better,” Conlon said. “The way people are hitting the ball is more explosive.”

She said the most important way to prevent an injury is to see a trainer on a regular basis.

The team’s student personal trainer, Heather Braun, helps the team with everything from an ankle wrap, to an electronic stem treatment.

“One of the most unbelievable components that we have in our athletic department is our trainers,” Conlon said.

Soriano said she agrees the trainer plays a huge role on the team, and said that it would be difficult to stay healthy over the course of a season without her help.

Despite its small numbers, the team has already started competition. With an improved performance in this year’s Iowa City Invitational, Conlon said the team is optimistic about the future. She added that she hopes to see wins, but most importantly, Conlon said she hopes to see improvement in the team this year.

“Success comes in a lot of forms,” Conlon said.

“If you play well and hard you find success.”

As for Soriano, her foot may be weak, but she said her desire to play tennis is stronger than ever.

“I hate not playing more than anything,” Soriano said.

“I’m looking forward to coming back in August, even though it seems far away. I’m just looking forward to hitting that ball again.”

The Cyclones swing back into action in Ames on Saturday against Texas.