The trip to Madison, Wis. and the National Team Indoors left the No. 15 UCLA women’s tennis team with an unfamiliar and bitter taste: losing.
The Bruins dropped their first match of the season last week, losing 6-1 to Northwestern, before rebounding to finish 1-2 with a convincing win against Wisconsin and a tough loss to Clemson.
This Friday’s match against another nationally ranked opponent, No. 24 Fresno State, will prove to be an additional tough test for the Bruins, who hope to regain confidence on their home court.
“I”˜m glad we went. I think we could have done better, but it is very early in the season,” coach Stella Sampras-Webster said Wednesday afternoon at practice.
Sampras-Webster was optimistic about the team’s prospects for both Friday’s match and beyond. She cited her athletes’ unity and support, which was evident throughout their road trip.
“It was great for the team to travel together. The team spirit was excellent.”
This team spirit is especially important if UCLA is to bounce back from its disappointing showing at the Indoors. Especially tough was its 4-3 loss to Clemson, which saw several players drop their third sets.
Friday’s match brings a familiar foe to the Los Angeles Tennis Center. UCLA last played Fresno State in 2005 and lead the all-time series 8-1.
“I know their top three players are very good, especially their No. 1,” she said.
One advantage for the Bruins is their depth. Sampras-Webster believes Fresno State is less deep than in past years, while many Bruins can step up on any given day. Equally important for the Bruins will be gaining the doubles point. In both matches UCLA has lost, the team dropped the doubles matches.
“We may make some changes in the doubles pairings,” Sampras-Webster said, citing the need to find the right team chemistry. “We played some close matches (in Madison). We dropped some third set matches. We had opportunities.”
The Bruins hope they can capitalize Friday.
They also hope to see more and more of junior Tracy Lin, who saw minimal playing time due to illness. In her first singles match against Northwestern, her opponent retired. Against Clemson, Lin won her singles match in straight sets.
One key for UCLA will be maintaining intensity against a tough Bulldog squad that is 2-1 on the year and coming off a win against Arizona.
“Our team needs to play without fear. Maintaining a high level of play throughout the match is important,” Sampras-Webster said.
The Bruins are excited for their first home match since late January.
As Sampras-Webster said, “It’s good to be back outdoors.”