A loss to an ACC powerhouse like Duke is by no means shameful. But if you're a member of the Virginia women's tennis team, it definitely isn't a great way to end the season.
Virginia was sent packing from the ACC tournament in Raleigh after losing to the Blue Devils, 4-0, Friday in the quarterfinals. The loss dropped Virginia to a disappointing 11-12 for the season and 2-6 in the ACC, a step back for the program after it finished the 2002-03 season fifth in the conference and secured an NCAA tournament berth.
It certainly didn't look like the season would finish this way at the beginning of the year when Virginia surged to a 9-3 start with commanding wins over the likes of Michigan State and Marshall. Virginia found the second half of the season a lot tougher, however, as their loss to SMU set into a motion a losing streak spanning six games.
If non-conference foes were proving to be tough, then the ACC was just pure hell for the Cavaliers, as Virginia dropped to 0-5 in the conference.
"Our indoor season went very well for us," Virginia coach Phil Rogers said. "We seemed to struggle when we moved outdoors for a couple of weeks."
The Cavaliers were able to salvage a pair of conference wins late in the season, over N.C. State and Maryland, giving them momentum going into the ACC tournament.
"One of my favorite wins were when we beat Maryland and N.C. State." Rogers said. "It was a reward for us staying in and working very hard. It was very gratifying to see it pay off for these kids."
With the season over, the program is definitely looking to the future. All starters from last year will return next year.
One of the keys to Virginia's success next season will be the performance of Kristen James. James was named to the all-ACC squad and led the Cavaliers with a 24-10 singles record at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. James believes deft changes in her game were responsible for her success.
"I became stronger on the baseline," James said. "I was able to attack and stay consistent at the same time. I began to incorporate more shots into my game."
The team will also see the return of sophomore Lori Stern from shoulder injury. Stern had a phenomenal freshman season, finishing with a national ranking of 35, but did not play this season due to shoulder surgery.
"We really did miss Lori Stern this year, and she'll be coming back from shoulder surgery," Rogers said. "She's tough to go a season without."
Mariko Fritz-Krokow, who split time between the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, Dora and Marta Bechliwanis, Shannon Stough and Caroline Hammond complete what should be an experienced Cavalier squad.
"The goal next season is to go out and practice hard and try our best and compete well like it was this season," James said.
With a more experienced side and the return of one of its star performers, next season holds more promise for Virginia, and chances are high that the 2004-05 season will look totally different from this forgettable campaign.
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