For the past few seasons, Logger tennis has struggled to gain its footing on the court. However, this season looks to be different.
Over the past weekend, the women’s tennis team earned a victory against George Fox 7-2 and squeaked past Pacific with a 5-4 win. Although their first two matches of the season ended in losses, it appears as though women’s tennis has found its stride and is running with it.
“The season is going great! We just picked up a big win over Pacific the past weekend, and I think we’re going to have a good season. We’re definitely playing good tennis. Whether we win or lose, I know we are going to have a lot of fun this season,” freshman Marissa Friedman (Novato, Calif.) said.
The team earned its first of the season at the home-opener game. A sweep of the double matches allowed to Loggers to hold on to the lead. Four wins in the singles didn’t hurt either.
The winning streak continued on Saturday. The Loggers gained the necessary 2-1 advantage in doubles. Friedman and freshman Logan Thompson (Decorah, Iowa) made quick work of Pacific’s players with an 8-1 victory. This was followed by an 8-6 victory by junior Ada Yu (Salem, Ore.) and freshman Jenna Gerdsen (Honolulu, Hawaii).
“In terms of skill level, the whole team is fairly equal and our off court relationship is outstanding! I feel that the team has really connected one another. I absolutely love the team,” Gerdsen said.
The team win was clinched by Ada Yu in the no. 5 match 7-5, 6-4. Tennis is often considered an individuals sport, but the victories of last weekend took the entire team.
“The team dynamic is incredible! As a freshman and mid-year transfer, I was nervous about getting along with the team, but they were more than welcoming towards me, and have accepted me without hesitation. The team is made up of a great group of girls, and win or lose, we are always supportive of each other because not only are we teammates but we are really good friends as well,” Friedman said.
With a strong team and a new season, this might be the year that the Logger women dominate the courts.
Tennis will be on the road next week as they travel to Whitworth on Feb. 28.