The Elizabethtown College women’s tennis team played indoors for its matches against St. Mary’s College (Md.) and nationally-ranked No. 22 the University of Mary Washington. The Blue Jays defeated St. Mary’s 5-4, but fell to Mary Washington 9-0.
Senior Sarah Calabro considered the first two matches as a launch for the new season. “There is definitely some more practicing to be done before the team is ready for our official season to begin,” she said. “However, I do think that these matches will be a great opportunity to see how we stack up against some solid competitors and get us hyped for a new season.”
Singles started the competition at St. Mary’s. The teams split these matches, 3-3. The No. 2 doubles team of junior Lauren Berry and sophomore Taylor Helsel defeated Melissa Barall and Mollie Johnson, 9-7. Last year, Berry and Helsel’s record was 7-2 when playing with each other. The duo sealed the win for the Blue Jays for the team’s spring season debut.
Berry set high goals for her performance this season. “I personally would like to accomplish a better record than last year,” she said. “I would like to go undefeated in both singles and doubles within the conference.”
St. Mary’s No. 1 doubles team overpowered the Blue Jays, 8-2. However, the No. 3 doubles team of sophomore Madison McCall and Calabro defeated their opponents 8-4.
Calabro is hopeful for her senior season and her efforts to help her teammates. “As a senior, I am hoping to make the most of my experiences every time I step onto the court this season,” she said. “This sport has taught me so much about teamwork, and I want to feel like I gave my best effort after every match, like I’ve done the most I can to help my teammates out.”
Doubles competitors including McCall, Helsel and Calabro also earned wins in singles competition. At No. 4, McCall defeated Lauren Rost 6-1, 6-2. Helsel was victorious, 6-4, 6-3, over Johnson at No. 6. Calabro conquered Emily Rost 6-2, 6-1 at No. 5.
Mary Washington was a strong force of competition, as it swept the Blue Jays, 9-0. In addition to its national recognition, the team also has a No. 6 ITA Atlantic South Region ranking. Berry and Helsel were the most successful competitors for the Blue Jays. They lost 3-8 to Chrissy Gaul and Ashley Price at No. 2. Senior Kaitlyn Pellegrino snatched a pair of games in each set from Mackenzie Smith at No. 2 singles.
“I believe that the team’s biggest strength is competitiveness,” Berry said. “We are all so competitive that we drive each other to do better at every workout, practice, or match.”
Calabro also has confidence in the team. “I love that our team is scrappy,” she said. “I think that quality really bonds us together as a close, competitive team that takes risks, but also still has fun along the way.”
The Blue Jays (1-1) will face off against York College (Pa.) on March 2, which is the start of the team’s annual trip to Hilton Head Island, S.C. over Spring Break.
