Frustration has been a major component of junior Leyla Morzan's career with the Penn State women's tennis team.
She tore a ligament in her left wrist during her sophomore season, and it took her almost a full year to recover. Now, this season has brought on yet another injury for Morzan to deal with -- patella tendinitis, or "jumper's knee."
"I was going to the trainer's room almost five times a week, depending on how much pain I was feeling," she said about her rehabilitation last semester.
This injury forced Morzan into a slow start in the fall semester -- she lost her first 11 matches, five doubles and six singles while not healthy.
Her rehabilitation, however, has enabled her to practice regularly once again, as she believes her knee is close to being 100 percent. She has been practicing hard, which caught the attention of her coaches.
"She has been working hard every day in practice, that's what she does," Penn State assistant coach Helena Besovic said.
Morzan was inserted into the lineup against No. 1 Northwestern on Feb. 16. Morzan and doubles partner senior Jenny Shular gave the Wildcats' duo of Maria Mosolova and Nazlie Ghazal, the No. 5 and No. 69 ranked singles players in the nation, the toughest doubles match, losing 8-5.
Building off the confidence from this match, Morzan has now been a steady presence in the Lions' lineup -- she has won her last three matches during their recent three-game win streak.
"Leyla has helped us, in doubles specifically, because she has a great serve and can target it well," head coach Dawna Prevette said.
Morzan defeated West Virginia sophomore Stephanie LaFortune, 2-1, on Friday in a match that lasted more than two hours.
Despite feeling a little sore on Sunday, Morzan defeated Columbia sophomore Kim McMenamin, 6-2, 6-0.
"Last week was the best week of practice I have had this year in terms of feeling pain," Morzan said. "So, going into Friday's match I wasn't even thinking about my knees.
Now, basically fully healthy for the first time since her freshman year, Morzan has one main goal for the spring season.
"I'm just praying that I stay healthy and be able to compete the way I did my first year," Morzan said.
"I'm definitely looking forward to doing what I always wanted to come to college for, and that is to compete."
