Undefeated women's tennis continues to dominate

The women's tennis team remained perfect on Sunday, running its record to 4-0 with a 9-0 victory over the Middlebury College Panthers (3-1). With its unblemished record, the team just might be the hottest, and most overlooked, squad on campus.

With Sunday's win, the team has a match record of 36-0 (24-0 in singles, 12-0 in doubles). They have collectively lost only one set all season when Jennifer Lejb came from a set down for an electrifying victory in her first match against Colby, Saturday Sept. 21.

Sunday, the Jumbos started off slowly by winning three close matches. The opening doubles matches proved to be close-fought, but with many great points, the Jumbos pulled through with superior composure and experience. Number one pair Lejb and senior co-captain Katie Nordstrom won 8-3, while junior Barclay Gang and sophomore Neda Pisheva managed to come away with a 9-7 victory. Co-captain Iffy Saeed and fellow senior Emily Washauer put the Jumbos ahead 3-0 with an 8-5 win.

"We had a couple lapses out there," Pisheva said. "But everyone's playing really well, and the chemistry on the court is evident in the doubles."

In the singles, the Jumbos continued to impress with their strong play and powerful all-court attack. Lejb was strong at number one with a two-set win over Panther Lauren Ready, while Nordstrom (four) and Saeed (six) wheeled off convincing victories. Nordstrom found a groove with her serve, which was particularly powerful and proved to be a valuable weapon for her. Each of the Jumbos starters had impressive performances taking requiring only two sets each to finish off their opponents.

"I was happy with our results against Middlebury because they have always been a solid team and beating them this soundly only proves how strong we are this year," Gang said. "None of our opponents can believe how deep we are."

Particularly evident against Middlebury was the change in game plan, as the team attacked the net much more. Coach Jim Watons

"We played a good game," coach Jim Watson said. "We were pretty strong and the girls did well."

Warshauer agreed. "We go into every match knowing [the opposition is] not going to give us anything," she said. "But we're confident with our lineup, and there was lots of support out there which was great."

The Jumbos appear unwilling to give their opponents anything either. Their positive approach to the game, as well as their enjoyment of it, is apparent on the court and off it.

"It's fun that girls from other teams come up to me and ask me how we have so many good players and how we are all such best friends despite the close competition," Gang joked.

The women look to win their fifth straight this Thursday Oct. 3, at 4pm against MIT. The match takes place on the Voute Courts. The team will then continue on to Bowdoin for their second away match of the season on Saturday Oct. 5.