In the wave of injuries that at one point left the women’s tennis team with only two healthy starters, coach Stella Sampras Webster saw a bright spot.
“It’s a blessing,” Sampras Webster said. “The freshmen have had great opportunities to play. They’ve been able to go out there and perform and be tested. They’ve built confidence throughout the season.”
Against some of the top players in the nation, freshmen Kristin Wiley and Terri Fleming stepped up in place of injured teammates and quickly earned their places in the starting lineup.
The freshmen have continually proven themselves over the course of the season, clinching points or providing a needed energy boost against tough opponents.
With the match experience, Wiley and Fleming honed their games en route to 13-5 and 16-8 records respectively.
However, the freshmen said the biggest development – in not only themselves but also their team – has been in the mental game.
“We’ve faced a lot of adversity,” Fleming said. “We pulled out a lot of close 4-3 matches and that’s helped prepare us mentally to face anything that comes our way. We’re playing with no fear.”
However, two losses to No. 3 Cal and a defeat to No. 2 USC in the last match of the regular season have left No. 6 UCLA with unfinished business.
The Bruins enter postseason play with all their players healthy and fit for the first time all season, and are eager to prove themselves in the Pac-12 championship and NCAA Tournament.
“All those matches, we were just a couple of points away,” Wiley said. “We respect these programs, but we’re hungrier, excited and more motivated than ever.”
Despite four losses on the year, the defending national champions said they feel no pressure to repeat last year’s run.
The coaching staff and veteran players continue to emphasize focus and not getting caught up in the ultimate goal.
“We’re still focused on improving our games,” Fleming said. “But we’ve been talking a lot about playing freely and playing for ourselves, because when we do that, we’re tough to beat.”
With their first season winding down, the freshmen said they’re cherishing each experience and moment with their teammates, particularly the seniors.
“It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it to go by so fast,” Wiley said. “I was nervous for this when the season started, but now I’m just excited for the atmosphere and for the couple of weeks (of postseason play). I want to win this for the seniors.”