With two decisive victories this weekend against two top-11 teams, the women’s tennis team has concluded their regular season on a strong note. With the NESCAC Tournament approaching this weekend, the third-ranked Jeffs appear more than ready to avenge their Williams loss and take home the NESCAC Championship.
On Saturday, the Jeffs traveled to Wellesley College, where they cruised to an 8-1 victory. As they have stressed all season, the Jeffs demonstrated the importance of doubles play. The one time they lost this season, they fell behind 1-2 after doubles. On Saturday, it was a different story, as Amherst swept the three doubles matches against the number eight-ranked Wellesley squad. At first doubles, the defending national champion doubles team of sophomore Brittany Berckes and senior captain Alicia Menezes won 8-4. At number two it was even more of a breeze, as first-year Natasha Brown and sophomore Jill Wexler won 8-2. In a closer match, senior captains Laura Stein and Jen Murphy pulled out a 9-8 (7-3) victory.
With the 3-0 lead, the Jeffs only needed two singles matches to clinch. However, they would go on to win five of the six matches. Berckes (first singles), Wexler (second singles) and Carlissa King ’11 (sixth singles) all won in straight sets. Laken King ’11 at the fourth spot, and Brown, at the fifth spot, each won in three sets. At number three singles, senior captain Monica Snyder dropped a tough match in two sets.
With the convincing victory, the Jeffs could not become complacent, as they had to come right back and face the 11th ranked Middlebury Panthers on the following day. With the sunny weather, it could not have been any more of a perfect day for the Jeffs’ “senior day.” As Sunday’s matched marked the last regular season home match for the Jeffs’ seniors, the five captains were honored before the match. With the nerves of playing potentially their last home match, playing in front of a large crowd and a meaningful NESCAC match-up, the seniors and the rest of the Jeffs did not disappoint.
“I think recognizing the seniors for senior day was very special,” said Berckes. “It motivated us to play even harder because this senior class, from Alicia [Menezes] to Amy [DiPilato] to Monica [Snyder] to Jen [Murphy] to Laura [Stein], all demonstrate the qualities to achieve great success.”
Once again, Amherst was able to set the tempo and put the pressure on the Panthers by taking a 3-0 lead after the doubles. The Jeffs took home close victories, 9-8, 8-6 and 8-5 at the first through third spots, respectively.
The lead made the singles play much more relaxed for Amherst, as Berckes, Wexler and Menezes earned victories at the third through three spots, respectively. At the bottom of the order, King and Brown dominated their opponents, losing just four combined games.
“We are starting to play to our potential,” said Stein, “and we hope to build on our momentum gained from the weekend as we head into NESCACs.” Since their loss to Williams, the Jeffs have looked to have a chip on their shoulder, as they completely dominated two important matches. Now, the Jeffs’ senior class, which has come so close to tasting national victory during their first three years, look to finally go all the way. Luckily, they have a strong core of underclassmen that look capable of leading Amherst to the promised land. However, first things first. The Jeffs will focus on the NESCAC Tournament, one match at a time, as although they will undoubtedly receive an NCAA berth, they can look to gain a top seed.