Women’s tennis is nothing but optimistic

The women's tennis team had a rocky start in Colorado, but their spirits are flying as high as their hopes for the rest of the season.

Jan. 15 marked the season's start, also the same day as the men's team's first match.

"We've definitely improved as a team a lot," said assistant coach Mark Hooper, who has been with the team for two years. "The level of play from everybody is up from last year. I'm happy with the way we're progressing. The kids are good kids. They're hard working and have positive attitudes."

This year the women's team played a fall season from September to mid-October. The players also conditioned in the beginning of winter with footwork drills, sprints, weights and running. In season, the team trains five days a week for two or more hours a day, totaling roughly 12 hours of practice a week.

When the weather permits they practice at the outside courts at the Connolly Center and other times in Connolly's Astro Gym or the Amy Yee Tennis Center located 10 minutes away from Seattle U.

"Last year was our first year so it was a little hectic," said sophomore Katrina Schwab. "We did a little bit of conditioning, but it was really sporadic. This year we have a set schedule. We've all improved quite a bit. We did more conditioning this fall and that definitely transferred over into our match play."

The women played their first three matches in Colorado Jan. 22 and 23. They came home with one win and two losses: A 0-7 loss to U.S. Air Force Academy, a 6-1 win against South Dakota and a 1-6 loss against Gonzaga.

Despite their two losses, the team remains optimistic.

"The Colorado trip was rough. We were at like 7,000 feet of elevation so besides the fact that you can't breathe after you walk up a flight of stairs, on the court the balls just fly because the air is really thin," said junior Nicole Fleckenstein. "It was a hard adjustment because we've never been in that situation. We were just trying to survive, but it was a good learning experience for everyone."

With only one match at home and the rest on the road, the team of 10 girls is looking forward to their future competition.

"We're looking forward to meeting Eastern Washington," Hooper said. "We beat them last year for our first NCAA Division I win. We are looking forward to playing Portland State and Gonzaga. We're setting our sights on Gonzaga. I think that's the next step for us in winning."

Hooper said to watch for Schwab—their number one player—this season.

"The progress she's made since we've had her since [she was] a freshman is stunning," he said. "She hasn't had a lot of coaching and is becoming a real force as a player."

With a year behind them and better training, the women's team has nothing but optimism for the rest of the season.

"I just want us to have a successful season," Fleckenstein said. "We have the opportunity now to beat schools that we came close to beating last year. I'm just hoping we get those wins in."

The team's next match is Feb. 5 at the Amy Yee Tennis Center at 2:30 p.m.

Kate may be reached at kganiron@su-spectator.com