The Virginia women's tennis team can look forward to a strong season after their home win against Old Dominion on Friday night at the Boar's Head Sports Club.
The Cavaliers captured the match by a count of 6-1, bringing their season record to 4-1.
Recently moving up in the national rankings from No. 54 to No. 33, the Cavaliers' jump reflects the depth of the team and the intensity of the group. They also benefited from capturing the biggest upset in team history, knocking off then-No. 14 Kentucky.
"I think we have a really deep team, all 9 players, and they're confident that they can put any of us in," said senior Jen Tuchband, who was named ACC player of the week last Monday. "I think we're getting along and I think that's helping us do well. We're a lot more confident in the fact that we can do well, and I think we just feel more comfortable with each other on the court."
Virginia swept the doubles, with seniors Henriette Williams and Tuchband securing No. 1, freshmen Kristen James and Lori Stern winning No. 2, and sophomores Dora and Marta Bechliwanis taking No. 3.
"Big, big win out of No. 1 doubles today," coach Phil Rogers said. "It was really good to see them play a really good match. They brought good energy to the court, and executed very well against a very tough team. The freshmen at No. 2 held themselves well throughout the match, and had a really good combination of power. Our twins have a very neat style that is very tough to coach against, and they bring a lot of talent to the No. 3 spot."
Doubles overall are greatly improved over last year, according to Rogers, who is in his 21st year coaching the Cavalier women.
Virginia's solid opening continued into the singles play, where they were able to capture five of six matches.
"We've had some really good contribution, up and down the line," Rogers said.
The Bechliwanis twins and Tuchband won their matches by giving up no more than two games each.
Williams battled hard against the No. 5 player in the nation, Nataly Cahana, in what was a very close match full of difficult points that came only after long rallies.
"Our unsung hero so far is Henriette," said Rogers, who said he has been impressed with her development. "She's our point man, and takes on the toughest competition in the world. She's going to have some good days before this year is over. She was very close against a very difficult player."
Virginia fought competitively and won on the other five courts, which was due in part to the team's solidarity and cohesiveness.
"Every time you go out there you know that [the team] wants you to win," freshman Kristen James said. "That's huge since tennis can be such an individual sport, so even if you're competing by yourself, you're competing as a greater whole."
The Cavaliers will show off their energy on the courts again next Sunday at the Boar's Head Sports Club against No. 51 Pennsylvania.
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