After escaping the winter-wonderland of Hanover to sunny Florida, the women's tennis team finished their spring exhibition trip with a victory over Florida Atlantic following losses in their first four matches.
The young Dartmouth team, captained by the lone senior on the squad, Trudy Muller '96, looks forward to the upcoming season after a somewhat disappointing trip.
"After being ranked 15th in the East during the fall season, we lost some of our better players over the winter for personal reasons. But with our hardwork, budding confidence and guts, we're looking forward to a good season," Muller said.
The team currently posts a record of 1-4 and took tough losses in Florida before grinding out a victory in their final match on the trip.
The squad lost its opening match of the season to powerful junior college team Broward 6-1. Broward is currently one of the teams favored to capture the national junior collegiate championship this spring.
The sole Dartmouth winner was Courtney Dill '99, who was victorious at No. 6 singles.
The team struggled through its second and third matches as well, tallying only one victory in 12 matches.
The Big Green was shutout by Barry University 7-0 and fell to nationally-ranked Florida International 6-1.
In a grueling three set match at No. 6 singles, freshman Jeana Chung fought and earned herself a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory over FIU's Alexina Beauperthug.
"Jeana is definitely the team's most improved player." Muller said of her teammate. "She is a fighter, has a great work ethic, and she has shown she belongs on varsity after playing [junior varsity] in the fall."
Before notching its first victory against Florida Atlantic, the team also fell to undefeated Lynn University 6-1.
Once again, the lone winner for Dartmouth was Chung, who at No. 6 singles provided the team with its only point.
Perhaps a bit too late, the match against Florida Atlantic proved to be the turning point for the team's fortunes.
The Big Green crushed their opponents, capturing all the points except one singles match.
Dartmouth won the lone doubles point and received victories from Dill, Kallie Buehler '97, Katie Kirkmire '98, Sarah Anderson '99 and Tara Pennington '99 in singles.
"After playing inside all winter and then competing against squads who were already in the middle or end of the season was tough," Muller said. "But I think the last match illustrates that we are working out the kinks in doubles and have established a strong singles lineup."
Despite the intense pressure and competition foreseen in this year's Ivy League women's tennis division, the young Dartmouth squad has not given up on claiming the league title.
"While the competition in the league is the toughest I've seen in my four years, I think the team's cohesiveness and building confidence will give us the edge we need to have a successful season," Muller said.
