Women's tennis smashes CMU 9-0

Coach Hunsinger looks to improve doubles play with adjustments

The women's tennis team bounced back from their loss last week to beat Carnegie Mellon University 9-0 at home on Saturday. The Yeowomen's record now stands at 1-1.

With only four of the necessary six players, Carnegie Mellon defaulted three of the games because of a shortage of players.

"We had a more positive attitude since we knew that we were getting three points for free," said senior Kate Petersen. "There was less tension."

"We played much better. The mental preparation was much improved which is what should happen from our first to second match," Coach Don Hunsinger said. Hunsinger also added that the team is not quite set yet. He would like to try out different doubles teams to see which women play well together.

"Leigh Ann Totty wasn't quite as sharp as the first week but everyone else played better in singles. We have a lot of work to do in doubles. We don't have anybody that's really comfortable with the net. It takes practice and experience," Hunsinger said.

The team's 'player of the week' was Petersen who rebounded from her 6-0, 6-0 loss last week to beat her opponent 6-1, 6-2. She also went from the team's number four singles player to number three.

The team's 'shot of the week' belonged to sophomore Jill Brockelman and her top-spin forehand lob which Hunsinger said was very nice.

Brockelman was proud of her award. "That's great. It motivates me," she said. As well as Petersen's win in the singles category junior Leigh Ann Totty won 6-4, 6-2, Brockelman won 6-4, 6-0, and fifth-year Kathy Hertzer won 6-1, 6-2.

"It was easier than the last one. I felt pretty good about my match," Hertzer said.

In doubles, Petersen and Brockelman teamed up to win 6-1, 6-4, and first-years Beth Krupski and Gayle Nadorff won their number-two doubles match 6-4, 6-4.

A few minor illnesses and an injury on the team did not dampen Hunsinger's confidence. He believes the team will continue to improve over the ensuing weeks.

Junior Tara Sievers, who is recovering from a wrist injury, is looking forward to this week's match. "This match against Otterbein will be the first real test of our abilities. We weren't fully mentally prepared for the first match. Last week, Carnegie Mellon only brought four players. Now we are fully into the season."