Winter’s cold proved no match for the Oberlin College women’s tennis team this past week. The postponement of the match against Case Western Reserve gave the team more time to prepare for the important match that could break a four-match losing streak.

The extra time served the Yeowomen well and they demolished the Case Western Reserve team 9-0. The return of senior captain, Kimiko Glynn, helped the entire team, according to Head Coach Constantine Ananiadis: “Glynn is one of the best players, not only in the conference, but in the country. Her being back allowed for everyone to have easier matches. She takes on the number-one role, allowing everyone else to move back to their natural numbers.”

Everyone on the team stepped up to accomplish this win. Senior Jackie Golden fought hard in an intense match that was won in two sets (7-5, 7-5) against Marta Worwag. The Hayden sisters, juniors Olivia and Jane, also handled themselves well, winning in the number three and number four single spots, respectively.

The Case Western Reserve match was a much-needed win to boost the confidence of the Yeowomen, who had lost some tough matches prior to this one. “Coming off a four-match losing streak, it was good to win this match. The win served as a conformation of improvement that has occurred. It also boosts the confidence level of all,” said Ananiadis.

The team has many upperclassmen, which helps with experience and leadership on the team, but which could make it hard to be the sole active first-year on the team. First-year Marta Robertson thinks otherwise. “I guess I never really thought of the team as junior and senior heavy, although now that I think about it, it really is.  I just know the girls as who they are and not how old they are.  I feel like they’ve really helped me adjust to college tennis and college life in general.”

Robertson has played in several matches so far this year. With an injury to fellow first-year Rebecca Goldman, Robertson has still managed to make headway. Coach Ananiadis says that Robertson has improved, a lot and expects her to continue to improve. “She will be a big part of our success over the next four years.”

Robertson and the other Yeowomen hope to bring the same tenacity this weekend as they play conference rivals, Ohio Wesleyan and Wittenberg University, in their first matches in the conference. The Yeowomen will take on the Battling Bishops on Saturday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m., before tearing down the Tigers on Sunday at noon.