After a two-week break for finals, the No. 6 Stanford women’s tennis team got right back into action with four dual matches in eight days. The Cardinal (14-0, 6-0 Pac-12) showed no signs of rust, though, winning all four dual matches without dropping a single team point
The Stanford women’s tennis team continued its undefeated streak to begin the 2012 season by defeating No. 36 St. Mary’s, 6-1. This match came after a nine-day break from competition and was the No 1. Cardinal’s (5-0, 1-0 Pac-12) first match since ascending to the nation’s top ranking.
Stanford tennis fans will have to wait two more weeks to witness the Cardinal in action at home, but the players have been busy gaining match-play practice in anticipation of their dual-season opener.
Stanford women’s tennis rings in the New Year ranked No. 2 behind the Florida Gators, the same team it lost the NCAA title to last May after entering the postseason as the overwhelming favorite. Its slip from the top spot is not the only difference from last year–the Card graduated half of last spring’s national championship doubles pair, Hilary Barte, as well as Carolyn McVeigh and Jennifer Yen–but returns seven players and adds one freshman. Roster updates aside, the Cardinal is ready for a fresh start and a new mentality–“No regrets.”
The Stanford women’s tennis team is already back at work, kicking off its 2011-12 campaign this month and rebounding from a heartbreaking loss to Florida in last year’s NCAA Championship match to start the year on a good note.
Starting off this season ranked No. 1, Stanford (3-0, 0-0 Pac-10) lost just one player to graduation, but added four fiery freshmen – Kristie Ahn, Nicole Gibbs, Elizabeth Ecker and Amelia Herring – to its roster.