The Tufts' women's tennis team has high expectations for the 2005 season, and anticipate that the Jumbos' strong singles lineup will be a major key to the their success.
The lineup should feature a dangerous combination of strength at the top and great depth towards the lower positions.
"We have double strengths," said Doug Eng, the team's new head coach. "We have a lot of depth. If we had 10 singles spots, we'd kill probably every team except Amherst. But we are also extremely strong at the top."
"We have a lot of depth on the team," senior tri-captain Trina Spear agreed. "But I think it's our strength at the top of the lineup that sets us apart from a lot of teams."
The Jumbos will look to sophomore Jen Luten and senior tri-captain Jen Lejb as leaders. Right now, Luten is likely to play at number one, though challenge matches are underway to confirm the team rankings.
"Hopefully, I'll play No. 1," Luten said. "But we have challenge matches, and I know I have to play for my spot. Jen and [junior] Becky [Bram] are both playing well."
Recently, Luten has focused on improving her touch shots as well as working on conditioning to get ready for the season.
Lejb has also spent the off-season making a few refinements to her game.
"I've been trying to work on my volleys," Lejb said. "They aren't as strong as they use to be. Other than that, I've been trying to stay patient and play a longer game."
The Jumbos will also be bolstered by the return of Bram, who was abroad during the fall season.
"Getting Becky back helps a lot because it pushes some good players further down the lineup, adding to our depth," Lejb said. "Other teams will have trouble with the middle of our lineup because we have some good players that on other teams would be playing top positions."
Sophomore Kylyn Deary and Spear will spend time at the No. 4 and 5 spots.
"Kylyn [Deary] played No. 3 in fall and Trina [Spear] played four," Eng said. "Both are very solid players."
There are a lot of players who could figure into the final spot. Freshman Alana Ackerman, senior Ashley Weisman, sophomore Stephanie Ruley and senior tri-captain Neda Pisheva all could see time in the final position.
"We have a lot of players who can fit in towards the bottom of the lineup," Eng said. "We need to see who is playing best come April."
"There is a lot of competition at the bottom, and I think that will work out for us," Luten said.
The outcome of challenge matches will help to solidify the lineup, at least for the start of the season. But whatever the combination, Eng feels the team has the talent to compete with the best in Division III.
"Our team has the talent to beat Amherst," Eng said. "They need to realize that. They just need to make sure they all bring their A-games."
