In the doubles matches, the Jeffs gave up only one game to the Cardinals in three matches. Sophomore Alicia Menezes and senior tri-captain Kristen Raverta handily won first doubles, 8-0. Junior Katie Hudson paired with sophomore Monica Snyder for an 8-1 win at second doubles and senior tri-captain Hadley Miller and sophomore Laura Stein together breezed through third doubles 8-0.
The singles portion of the day was no less one-sided, as all six flights were won in straight sets. Both Hudson and sophomore Jenny Murphy won their matches 6-0, 6-0, at fourth and sixth singles, respectively. Raverta took first singles 6-0, 6-2, and Snyder won at second singles 6-2, 6-1. Menezes had a 6-1, 6-0 third singles victory, while Miller rounded things out at number five with her 6-0, 7-5 win.
Building off of several nationally successful seasons, the Jeffs didn't seem to miss a beat in their first match of the season against a Wesleyan squad with three matches under its belt.
"It is a great feeling to start off the fall season with a complete shutout," said senior tri-captain Miranda Kim. "Hopefully we will maintain the intensity through the rest of season."
"Everyone won their match pretty easily. Wesleyan is a good opening match because it gives everyone a chance to get into the season slowly, since they are not one of the stronger teams," said Raverta. "Both our doubles and singles look to be strong this year and I feel as though we will have a solid fall season."
Much of the Jeffs' early success can be contributed to their work in the offseason. "Everyone really worked hard over the summer and it's paying off," said Miller. "The beginning of a new season is always exciting and everyone's just really looking forward to see where the year takes us."
The match against Div. I UMass-Amherst that was scheduled for yesterday afternoon was postponed due to rain and will likely be made up Oct. 3. This traditional fall match-up is always a challenge for the Jeffs.
Although the Jeffs are well-versed in the art of earning a spot in the NCAA tournament, the team is trying a new way to make the trip. The Jeffs are busy raising money in order to finance their Spring Break training trip travel by giving lessons to area children.
"We're coaching children's clinics on Wednesdays and Saturdays this fall to raise funds for our spring training trip," explained Miller. "It's great to be able to share something you love with others, and it's nice to interact with the greater Pioneer Valley community."
Another new wrinkle this season is less of a departure from the norm. Head Coach Jackie Bagwell is joined this year by Assistant Coach Erin Murphy '05. Murphy was quad-captain last season and an important contributor to the team's successes, including important wins in the fall and spring seasons.
This weekend the women will participate in the Wilson/ITA New England Women's Tennis Championship, hosted by Bowdoin College. This is an individual event that culminates in a singles champion as well as doubles team champions. Last fall Menezes won the singles portion and paired with Rachel Holt '05 to win the doubles crown, thus qualifying for the ITA National Championships.
Following the tournament, the women will have four dual matches, including a home double-header Oct. 2 against Bowdoin and Colby Colleges.