Women’s tennis takes third, loses in NWC semis

Linfield College put an end to the Whitman women’s tennis team’s successful season on Friday, April 17, defeating the Missionaries 5-1 in the semifinals of the NWC championships in Yakima, Wash. Credit: Zipparo

Linfield College put an end to the Whitman women’s tennis team’s successful season on Friday, April 17, defeating the Missionaries 5-1 in the semifinals of the NWC championships in Yakima, Wash.

Guided by Head Coach John Hein, the women’s team had high expectations for the conference championships. The team defeated Willamette 8-1 earlier on Friday, April 17, and was optimistic about the Linfield match. Whitman had already dropped two 5-4 decisions to Linfield during the regular season and was looking for revenge.

“We set lofty goals for ourselves and [were] in a position to attain them at the conference tournament,” Hein said. “There have been rough patches along the way, especially our two close losses to Linfield, but this team is learning and growing with every challenge they face and that is all I could want from them.”

With a 14-9 record on the season after the loss against Linfield, Whitman competed against Pacific on Saturday, April 18 for third place. Whitman defeated Pacific 6-0.

“I have been really happy with this season,” said first-year Charlotte Scott, reflecting on the team’s performance. “There were some disappointing matches, but I think we are all very motivated for next year.”

Regardless of final placement, Coach Hein expressed his preference for optimal performance over placement.

“We have trained all season to be conference champions and that is our goal, but as long as we prepare well and compete hard, then no matter what the match scores are, I will be very happy,” said Hein.

Overall, the season has been successful in more ways than one. According to Coach Hein, season highlights include an outstanding performance at Fall Regional ITA in which Whitman took singles and doubles and was awarded with All-American distinction. The Indian Wells tennis tournament over Spring Break was also a highlight, strengthening team camaraderie and spirit. The win against UC Santa Cruz was, according to Coach Hein, ‘personally gratifying’ because he had played and coached as an assistant there.

“The team is full of such wonderful individuals and they work so well together that it makes much of my job easy,” said Hein. “We have, however, made great strides in not only enjoying our shared qualities, but there has been an acknowledgement and acceptance of our differences which I feel has really made us a closer group.”

A combination of strong team dynamics, individual prowess and doubles teamwork accounted for the team’s success this season. The team will undoubtedly need to refocus and reorganize next season. Four seniors will be graduating this year but, according to Hein, five potential first-years will be joining the team next fall.

When asked about next season, Hein expressed excitement over the team’s potential.

“After graduating four seniors this year, it will be much different. We will have a balance of youth,” Hein said. “I expect the team to work even harder to build on the things they’ve achieved this year on court, in the fitness center and mentally.”

Scott also expressed excitement for the upcoming season.

“As long as we’re still supportive and understand that competing to the best of our abilities is what really  counts, then I really look forward to next year.”