The Hamline Women’s Tennis squad hosted the UW River Falls Falcons this past weekend and were in control from the jump. The Pipers started the morning off by taking care of business in doubles, winning 2–1.
Going into singles with the advantage, the Pipers took four of six including key victories. Chloe Reyes, out of the 1 spot, and Elizabeth Dimian ,from the 6 came down to a third decisive game. This key victory brings the Pipers’ fall record to an even 2–2.
Since starting the season 0–2, the women’s squad has bounced back, claiming wins in their past two contests. With the early adversity faced in the Pipers’ season, it is the players who have stepped up to help the team get back on track.
“I think it’s all about cheering on other people,” said sophomore Chloe Reyes. “We’ve been super good about that this year, and last year we were good at it. But just the energy off the court is super good, and then when we’re all playing we just support each other.”
Chloe, who has proven herself in the 1 spot thus far, is 2–0 in singles on the year and looks to build off her first year in which she was placed as high as the 2 spot.
Other players, such as senior Ashley Pitzen, have also taken notice of the team’s ability to handle adversity.
“I think we’re all mindful that a lot of [us] don’t have near as much experience as our competitors so we just try to be nice to ourselves and realize we’re all just learning and improving every day,” Pitzen said.
Along with their rising level of success this season, the future is looking bright for the Pipers Women’s Tennis team. With first-years such as Elanna Kohner (singles) and Vanessa Pham (doubles) both earning victories against the Falcons, the young guns have proven they are ready to step up.
“At first they’re a little shy,” Pitzen said, “but I think they’ve mesh in and we’re just one big family and they’re good players.”
Along with the aforementioned rookies, the freshman class is rounded out by Blaine’s Anya Sugden and Gaylord’s Jessica Widmer, both of whom look to establish themselves as vital pieces to the Piper squad.
With the success of the Pipers thus far, head tennis coach Spencer Jones preaches team chemistry as the key to success. “Our captains create an inclusive environment and frequently host the team at the girls’ tennis house. Off-court bonding creates on-court success,” Jones said.
Following their two match skid to start the season, the Piper women have gone on to outscore their opponents 13–5 in their two most recent contests. Going from lows to highs has been a point of importance for the Pipers this fall season.
“We have done a great job responding to adversity — rebounding from early losses with a two match winning streak,” Jones said.
Looking ahead,the Pipers will host two more matches against St. Olaf and St. Scholastica respectively before the spring season starts on Feb. 9 in Du Pere, Wisconsin, against St. Norbert and Ripon. This strong, up-and-coming core of Pipers will look to compete for a conference championship in the always tough MIAC this upcoming season.