<< Front page Sports March 12, 2004

Women victorious in NCAC match

Ready to unwind: Sophmore Kate Lurain prepares to smash a return in a match last week.
 

With steady and consistent singles play, the Oberlin women’s tennis team improved to 4-1 on the season after two victories last weekend. The Yeowomen defeated Capital University and NCAC opponent Earlham College by identical scores of 7-2.

In both of the matches, Oberlin won two of three doubles matches and five of six singles matches. Both were clinched early in the competition and highlighted the Yeowomen’s strong play.

Playing three matches over the past week could have been extremely difficult, but at the end of play on Sunday, there was no sign of fatigue. Improvements in fitness have started to make a big difference, aiding the Yeowomen over one of the hardest stretches of the season. While there are areas that still need improvement, the team’s play is improving and continues to grow more consistent as the season progresses.

“I thought against Capital the doubles were not to form for either team, but for singles we played really well,” explained head coach Don Hunsinger. “We had some lapses playing doubles (against Earlham) but singles we turned it around and I felt like we dominated.”

It was important that Oberlin got victories out of the weekend’s matches to offset the close loss last weekend to Otterbein. Junior Jessica Hauser and senior Whitney Reichheld remain undefeated in singles play on the season at third and fourth singles. First-year Bianca Barr and junior Ary Amerikaner also picked up two singles victories but lost at first doubles against Earlham College.

“The women played pretty well. There are always things to fine tune. We are getting that done in practice,” remarked assistant coach Adam Shoemaker.

This weekend, there is a different test for Oberlin. Walsh University presents one of the hardest tests of the season for the Yeowomen. Walsh, a perennial NAIA power, awards scholarships and has assembled a great team. Although Oberlin beat Walsh 9-0 last year, they must not overlook the Pioneers.

“It’s definitely going to be a big challenge. Walsh has a good team and we are going to have to step it up to keep winning,” Shoemaker remarked.

Oberlin will battle Walsh on Saturday either outside in Canton, Ohio, if the weather permits, or inside at the Heisman Fieldhouse, with the match beginning at 10 a.m. either way. After that, Oberlin will play one more match against Hiram College before spring break.

“We are working hard for an aggressive attitude,” Hunsinger said.


 
 
   

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