Senior’s lead women’s tennis into 2005

After last year’s 12-6 season, the women’s tennis team started the 2005 campaign Sunday with a match against conference champions, William & Mary.

"I feel like we are going to have a good season this year," senior Kristen Veith said. "We have depth on our team, and everyone has been working really hard in our off-season. Everyone is playing really well right now, and we are all ready to start a great season."

Veith is a co-captain on the team and plays No. 1 doubles with senior and co-captain Rebecca Vanderelst.

Coach Maria Malerba said the team has a tough schedule this spring.

"There will be a lot of close matches, and we will have to stay very focused and healthy to win those," she said. "Some conference teams, UNC-W and Delaware, have become stronger due to increased scholarship money. Our goal is to defeat at least one of these teams."

The team has seven returning members and only one new player.

"[Catherine Phillips] is new to the team this year and has greatly benefited from working out with the team and working in the weight room," Malerba said. "She had an impressive fall tournament season and looks to continue that this spring."

Last season was the team’s third straight with a winning record, Vanderelst said. The Dukes hope to continue that trend.

"I’m really anticipating a great spring season," Vanderelst said. "We had some really positive results in the fall and will be looking to build on those. We have set some clear goals on which teams we are looking to beat this year. We hope to finish the year with a winning record and ranked toward the top of our conference."

According to Veith and Vanderelst, the team has been focusing on doubles play in practice.

"I think we are constantly improving our doubles skills, so hopefully we’ll be able to win a few more doubles points during matches," Vanderelst said. "Because tennis is an individual sport, each girl is working on different parts of her game. I think everyone has been working hard over break and should be ready to improve throughout the rest of the spring."

Malerba said, "Everyone has worked very hard this fall to improve their game."

Malerba said team unity is key to helping the Dukes win. She adds that the Dukes’ desire to do their best has improved from last year.

Vanderelst said, "Our team chemistry really helps to strengthen the team. All the girls get along really well on and off the court. As a team, we really try to push each other to work hard at practice, and I think this shows during matches. At the end of the day, we are always there to support each other, which really keeps us strong as a whole."

The Dukes have a month-long layoff until their next match. JMU returns to action March 3, when they travel to Radford to challenge the Highlanders in a 3 p.m. matinee.