When the women's tennis team kicks off its spring season next week, the Jumbos will put a reworked doubles game to the test in the first dual matches of 2007.
The doubles aspect of the Jumbos' play has perennially taken a back seat to the singles game, but with a few months of offseason refinement, the women are hoping to make their doubles team just as strong.
While in singles play a player can work individually on perfecting her every move and developing certain strategies, in doubles, both players and coaches must match up doubles teammates in order to complement different styles of play. Finding a good doubles pairing is not always easy, but success on the court often hinges on team dynamics.
"Most teams rely on the leadership of both players at different times," coach Kate Bayard said. "The chemistry is key, because each team member needs to be able to figure out what her partner needs at any given time."
"Chemistry has a lot to do with it, but the main thing is having a desire and the initiative to want every ball," senior tri-captain Jen Luten said. "One needs to take leadership of themselves and really focus to become better in doubles. Chemistry is important, because it is good to feel comfortable with your partner."
Luten and her doubles partner, senior tri-captain Kylyn Deary, are a testament to the effectiveness of team chemistry, as the pair have competed together since their freshman year and will be starting No. 1 doubles for the Jumbos this spring. Luten and Deary went 3-1 in doubles competition this fall and are 28-15 in their careers at Tufts from the No. 1 spot.
"I think they're in a good place right now to be going into the spring season," Bayard said. "They'll have some tough competition at No. 1, but they're more prepared than they were last year. Their returns are more consistent, and they've cut down on their errors. Their communication on the court continues to be an example to the rest of the team."
"Our goal is to finish No. 1 in the NESCAC and to make it to Nationals as a doubles pair," Luten said.
Luten and Deary will also lead the younger and less experienced doubles pairings. While it still remains uncertain as to who will play in what position, the Jumbos have been working out several teams of girls in order to find the best possible pairings.
With the return of junior Andrea Cenko, who spent the fall semester abroad, freshman Meghan McCooey has found herself a new partner. McCooey spent the fall season playing doubles almost exclusively with sophomore Mari Homma.
"The teams are getting better with each practice," Bayard said. "Meghan and Andrea are either hot or cold as a team on any given day. The key with their success as a team will be their ability to fire each other up. They have the potential to be a great team."
Another new pair for the Jumbos will be Homma with freshman Erica Miller. While Homma spent the fall playing with McCooey, Miller took the court alongside senior Silvia Schmid. Schmid has since joined forces with freshman Laura Hoguet, who was brought up to the varsity squad after a stellar fall on the junior varsity level.
"Silvia and Laura's games compliment each other," Bayard said. "Silvia's powerful serve and groundstrokes set Laura up at net."
Since the Jumbos have added two players to their roster, a junior returning from abroad and a freshman from the JV squad, they are still uncertain as to who will compete at No. 2 and No. 3 once the season begins.
"It's too hard to tell right now where the other teams will fit in," Bayard said. "We're going to try these combos for at least the first couple of matches on the spring trip, then we will reassess. We may keep these teams for the season, and we may switch things around."
Until the final doubles ladder becomes apparent, the squad at least knows its pairs for now and can focus on perfecting the minor facets of its game that will make it more successful.
"Since we have pretty much figured out the teams, we are working on our doubles strategy and working on making everyone a better doubles player all around," Luten said. "Since we have some new combinations, everyone has to be doubles-ready for the spring."
The Jumbos will be able to put their doubles play to the test early next week when they travel out west to take on five different opponents from the West Coast during spring break.
