For seven straight matches, Hamline women’s Tennis could not be stopped. Showcasing their impressive game aspects of depth, grit and seasoned skillwork, they were able to assemble an imposing run that showcased their growing confidence on the court.
Starting off the win streak was thanks to the Pipers coming out of their spring break trip to Orlando, Florida, undefeated, where they won all three matches from the trip. After returning to Minnesota, the momentum didn’t stop for the Pipers as they continued to win against Saint Mary’s, the Bennies from The College of Saint Benedict, Martin Luther and Concordia University.
In regards to Saint Mary’s, the 5–4 victory over the Cardinals was the first time the women’s tennis team had beaten them since 2006. It was a closely contested battle, coming down to the final doubles match where the Pipers solidified the win.
First-year Emily Dreger emphasized how much it meant to the team to win such a big match.
“I think when we beat them [Saint Mary’s], it was such a high point and a turning point because it made us think to ourselves that we can win and we have the ability to compete with these teams. It was a really tough match, but I think it instilled a fire in us,” Dreger said.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The Pipers’ win streak was cut when they lost to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) powerhouses Bethel and Gustavus.
These recent losses to Gustavus and Bethel come with important context — Gustavus currently sits undefeated at 7–0 in conference play, while Bethel trails just behind at 7–1. Facing two of the MIAC’s top programs in consecutive games, the Pipers were up against elite competition, making the setbacks more understandable as they continue to prove themselves among the league’s best.
As the Pipers look to bounce back from the losses, one thing they are counting on is the continuous support from the coaching staff. Sophomore Vanessa Pham highlighted just how important the immense encouragement the team is receiving from every member of the coaching staff.
“Our coaches are always believing in us. We as a team always have something we could either learn or improve on and they are always there to help us do those things we need to do,” Pham said.
Dreger also commented on how the staff work to improve their attitude and mentality.
“They are with us at every point, telling us what we should be doing, what we are doing well and what we need to improve on. They help to reassure us to keep that positive attitude, stay in high spirits and they are never negative with us. Even when we as a team get really tense, they help us relax by doing something like trying to joke with us. It is really nice and they are a super supportive staff,” Dreger said.
Along with stellar player-to-coach dynamics, the team chemistry is just as strong, both on and off the court. Pham spotlighted how the team helps her to increase her confidence level.
“We encourage each other super well. What I have seen and what helps me is hearing the people’s voices that I recognize, especially my teammates. Just hearing them cheer my name and cheering me on, specifically on some points of like me winning or losing a point. Hearing their encouragement is really nice and I try to do that for all my teammates as well,” Pham said.
The Pipers hope to finish up the season on a strong note. Currently, they sit one spot out of the postseason tournament with three matches left in the regular season. Getting back on another winning streak would go a long way to solidify their playoff position.