Doubles teams lead Dukes over Norfolk State

Casey Templeton / senior photographer Senior Rebecca Vandereist returns a shot during JMU's match against the Norfolk State Spartans Saturday. The Dukes blanked the Spartans 7-0 on the strength of their doubles play.

The JMU women’s tennis team remained undefeated Saturday after blanking Norfolk State 7-0 in its first home game of the season.

The doubles play for the Dukes dominated as they won all three matches, giving them a one-point advantage going into singles play. Doubles has been a main focus of the Dukes this season and it’s paying off.

In the four matches this season, the Dukes have won 11 out of 12 doubles matches.

"We do a lot of doubles drills," senior Kristen Veith said. "It’s something we’ve focused on and it’s definitely one of our strengths."

The Dukes took all three games convincingly 8-3, 8-2, and 8-1.

"It’s relatively early in the season, but I’m happy where we are right now," coach Maria Malerba said. "I can see things we’ve been working on in practice [coming through in games]."

The singles play for the Dukes was just as dominant. Junior Kristin Nordstrom and sophomores Mary Napier, Lauren Graham and Catherine Phillips all defeated their respective opponents in straight sets. Veith won by default in the third set after a Norfolk State player retired at 3-0. Finally, junior Ashley Reyher won the longest match of the day, 10-8 in the third set.

Expectations are high after a 4-0 start this season. In addition, the team has a high level of confidence.

"We’ve all been playing well in practice and we’re going in with full confidence," Veith said.

Senior Rebecca Vanderelst said, "Team unity is our biggest strength. We also have a lot of depth this year."

The Dukes are back in action at home on Wednesday against Stony Brook University. The match is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.