With the turn of the new year, UCLA women’s tennis hopes to expand on its efforts from last year, after its abrupt ending laid the case for unfinished work to be done.
Concluding last season with a defeat to No. 4 Ohio State in the round of 32, the Bruins were quickly eliminated from the NCAA Tournament.
“With the kind of year we had last year, we had had a lot of ups and downs,” said junior Terri Fleming. “But it only made us stronger.”
If the 4-1 loss to Ohio State was not lopsided enough, UCLA’s last season also ended with the departure of two key players. Then-seniors Catherine Harrison and Kyle McPhillips finished their final years with the Bruins, leaving the team devoid of two doubles All-Americans and a combined 52 singles wins in 2016.
The No. 25 Bruins, beginning this season with the same ranking they ended with last season, feel this new team possesses a real shot toward a national title. While the anticipation for the upcoming season remains hopeful, UCLA still recognizes the journey ahead.
“I expect for us to have a much better year than last year, and we’re still seeking for a national title,” said redshirt freshman Jada Hart. “But that’s a long ways ahead.”
Fleming, who rose from No. 5 to No. 3 in the singles lineup last season, looks to make an even bigger impact on the team this year. Besides her own personal play, Fleming is holding her team to a higher standard. The Bruins’ team camaraderie, Fleming believes, is one of their best assets.
“We have great team chemistry,” Fleming said. “We expect everyone to put in 100 percent effort and have a great attitude.”
Hart currently waits to begin her playing career at UCLA after redshirting last season.
The Colton, California, native, however, did play in the fall quarter and was a USTA/ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championship finalist alongside teammate freshman Ena Shibahara this past November. Battling a hand injury, this success gave Hart confidence and optimism for the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to competing for my first season here at UCLA,” Hart said. “This will be a whole new season for me.”
Like Hart, Alaina Miller also looks to be a key component for the Bruins’ success. The sophomore hopes to continue her play from last year, which included a finals appearance with Fleming in the Pac-12 Doubles Invitational.
Miller also expressed her confidence in the team this year, stating the Bruins’ health is in a good position. Since the team was plagued with injuries to its lower court players last year, this new stability will enable UCLA to focus on its goals.
“It was a weird year, we had not that many players, so it was stressful, just in case someone was going to get injured,” Miller said. “For now, we’re all healthy and, I think, that’s been the best thing – that we do have six healthy players.”
While returning teammates will be large contributors of the team’s success, this year’s new players bring a unique edge to the table. Shibahara and sophomore transfer Gabby Andrews, in particular, have drawn attention. Hoping to push the entire team’s game to new heights, it appears the youngsters have had a large effect already.
“With a couple of newcomers coming in, especially Ena and Gabby, they bring a lot of aggressiveness to the team,” Hart said. “I think it’s really going to affect everyone and their play.”
Combining this new, dynamic play with experienced game techniques could prove a successful strategy for UCLA. Time will only tell if the new team configuration will produce results.
With the past season now only a memory, UCLA pushes along toward its goal of a national title.
“Everyone’s healthy, and I’m really excited and looking forward to the season,” Fleming said. “It’s going to be a fun year.”
The Bruins will begin their season against Loyola Marymount on Jan. 20 at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center.