Despite the loss of two key seniors, the team has high expectations and maintains the goal of winning the team's second national championship. Last year's number-one player, and Div. III singles runner-up, Kristen Raverta '06 and number-five singles player Hadley Miller '06 will be greatly missed. However, Raverta will still be able to contribute to the team as she will serve as the assistant coach. Additionally, the members of the squad and incoming first-years have what it takes to step up and fill big shoes left behind by Raverta and Miller. "We're really going to miss [Raverta and Miller] this year," said Laura Stein '08, Miller's former doubles partner. "They filled important roles in both the singles and doubles lineups. We're really lucky to have outstanding leadership from the senior class this year. Their guidance will help the junior class and a promising incoming freshman class, step up for the team."
The Jeffs will look for leadership from the two seniors and captains, Katherine Hudson and Caitlin Rhodes. Coming off a knee injury, Hudson finished the 2005-06 campaign on a strong note and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
"Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year," said Hudson. "But we ended up surprising everyone. I think we need to carry the same attitude that we had last year with us this year, because it served us well: the attitude that we will not win without working hard."
Filling out the rest of the squad for the Jeffs is a very strong class of juniors. Alicia Menezes and Monica Snyder look to fill the top singles spots and play important doubles positions. Jen Murphy and Stein will also have key roles in singles and doubles. The sophomores who are looking to step up and make an impact are Anuja Ankola, Tara Shabahang, Laurel LaMontagne and Melissa Moulton.
The arrival of the Class of 2010 will greatly shake up the order, having the biggest impact on doubles. It is likely that entirely new doubles combinations will be formed this season.
"Doubles will most definitely be a focus of ours," said Stein. "We will have three new doubles combinations. The big matches are almost always decided by doubles, as the doubles has a way of setting the tone for the rest of a match."
The Jeffs expect another season of fine play and with an exciting and talented first-year class; they will shoot for the coveted national championship.
"Winning a national championship is our number one goal, without a doubt," said Hudson. "As long as we are working hard and having fun, I don't see much standing in our way."
NESCAC Notes
Amherst won the 2006 NESCAC Championship, defeating Williams College. Williams and Middlebury College look to provide the biggest challenge to knocking off Amherst this year. Amy Roche of Middlebury is returning for her senior year and is one of the top preseason candidates for NESCAC Player of the Year. In what should be a good early indicator of the state of the NESCAC, Amherst will face top conference teams on September 17 in a round robin tournament at Williams.