Coming off a disappointing 8-1 loss to No. 2 Williams on Saturday, No. 5 Tufts rebounded by sweeping lowly Bates 9-0 yesterday in their final regular season match of the season. The win brings the Jumbos' record to 13-4 overall and 6-4 in the NESCAC.
"It's really exciting to end the season with such a great win, especially it being a home match. … Starting over spring break, we've done really well this season, and it's good to end the regular season on a high note," senior tri-captain Julia Browne said. "It gives us confidence looking towards the post-season."
Browne and freshman Shelci Bowman grabbed the first win of the day at No. 1 doubles with a commanding 8-1 score. The No. 3 doubles pair of sophomore Janice Lam and freshman Samantha Gann followed that with an 8-4 win.
Sophomore Lindsay Katz and junior tri-captain Jenn LaCara had more difficulty in the No. 2 spot but managed to pull out a close 9-7 victory. Freshman Eliza Flynn is Katz's usual doubles partner, but she was sidelined due to a torn labrum in her right hip.
Despite ultimately getting the win, Katz was disappointed with the closeness of the match.
"It was good to win, but I was just playing off. I wasn't playing aggressively enough. [LaCara] and I have not played together recently, so it took time to adjust to each other's play," Katz said. "I think my confidence was also shaken coming off of [Saturday's loss to Williams]."
Following the doubles sweep, Tufts performed in the same dominant fashion during singles play, winning all six singles matches.
Browne, Katz and sophomore Lauren Hollender had quick wins at No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 singles respectively, each only giving up one game. Gann and senior tri-captain Edwina Stewart added two more wins at No. 5 and No. 6 singles.
At No. 3 singles, Bowman played a three-set match but ultimately came out on top, winning the tiebreaker 10-7.
The match against Bates marked not only the end of the regular season for Tufts, but also the last home match for the seniors.
"I was definitely really sad when the match was over. I have had a lot of memories playing on these courts and for this team," Browne said. "But I'm glad that we have a ways to go in the season, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the team matches that we have."
Tufts still has the NESCAC and NCAA championships to prepare for and look forward to, providing the team with another opportunity to play Williams or Amherst, the only conference teams that the Jumbos have fallen to.
The team sees yesterday's win over Bates as a reminder of their capabilities and talents.
"We have a lot of confidence in our team. We're playing a lot fresher, and we're heading into NESCACs really eager to get some wins," Katz said.
Last spring, Browne won the NCAA Div. III championships in singles play, earning her the ranking as the No. 1 singles player in the nation. Having already achieved so much, Browne feels easygoing heading into the postseason.
"I feel the least amount of pressure I've ever felt [going into Nationals]. These are my last few college matches, and I just want to keep the season going as long as possible," she said.
