Not only does the women’s tennis team wear great outfits, but it has also been featured on television and in magazines. Highlighted last year in U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Magazine for its efforts in fundraising for the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the team believes that it is important for athletes to volunteer in social causes.
“One of our coaches’ friends was a breast cancer survivor, and our whole team was really into the idea of helping out,” said Anika Fischer ’10. “It felt great to do it, and it didn’t take up a lot of time. We mostly gave out pamphlets on how to check your breasts. The best part was when a bunch of breast cancer survivors came to visit us.”
With eight returning players and one new freshman—Linda McDougal ’11 from Kathmandu, Nepal—women’s tennis is ready to improve its record and make a serious push for a NESCAC tournament seed.
“We didn’t lose anyone from last year, and that means we have more experience on the team,” Fischer said. “We have a great freshman who is solid in both singles and doubles. We came so close to making NESCACs last year, and we have a better chance this year.”
Back in action for the second half of the season, the team ventured to sunny Stuart, Fla. for spring break, splitting the four matches played. Falling to Youngstown State University (1-6) and Northwood University (3-6), Wesleyan topped the University of Southern Indiana (7-2) and the University of St. Thomas (9-0). The Cardinals found that it was a pleasure to escape the cold and also to get some spring training under its belt.
“This was the most competitive Spring Break we’ve ever had,” Fischer said. “It was really good to play division I and III schools. They play a lot differently than our usual opponents, and that’s great practice. While we had some tough matches in Florida, they got us in good shape for the season.”
However, back at the home courts, the team has met some difficulty translating spring break’s hard work into victories. Last Thursday, Wesleyan hosted Little Three rival Amherst College and was aced by the Lord Jeffs 9-0, who are currently ranked second in the nation. Hawaiian-born Alex Sirois ’08 acknowledged that the Cards weren’t able to capture a single set, but that the team played hard and has talent waiting to be realized.
“In essence, the losses aren’t necessarily attributed to lack of talent,” Sirois said. “In fact, across the board the teams were well-matched. When it comes to converting talent and winning games, that’s where our team faltered on Thursday. We definitely need to get more match-tough.”
Only two days later, Wesleyan returned to the courts, this time to face the Bowdoin College Polar Bears. Once again, the Cards crumbled under pressure, ending the day with only one win out of the nine match-ups. Madalina Ursu ’09 from Bucharest, Romania captured the only win for Wesleyan, finishing her two sets as the number four player, 6-3 and 7-5. Sirois was impressed with her teammate’s efforts.
“This was a very important win for Madalina and the team,” she said. “She was the perfect example of someone who had the same level as her opponent and used her head to win the match.”
Looking ahead to the next match, the Cards will focus on their doubles game.
“We play our doubles first and, when you lose all of them, it’s tough to get out,” Fischer said. “It puts a lot of pressure on the singles.”
Despite double losses to the top teams in the NESCAC last week, Wesleyan is confident that it will see more positive results.
“We have the potential to win every match,” Sirois said. “We’ve built some teams up to be amazing but, in reality, no one is out of our reach.”
The next tennis match will take place at Colby College on Saturday, April 4.
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