Women’s tennis travels to face nonconference foes

Finished with facing local rivals for a while, the Columbia women’s tennis team will travel to face out-of-state opponents George Washington and Maryland this weekend.

After notching a win against local foe Long Island last weekend, the Lions have the confidence needed to secure future victories.

Last weekend, the Lions proved that they can come out on top despite unexpected setbacks. With senior Carling Donovan’s absence due to injury, head coach Ilene Weintraub was forced to make some last-minute adjustments to the lineup. Unanticipated changes like this can sometimes hurt a team, but with a positive attitude, change can be good.

“Changing things up is actually kind of fun, I think. It’s really interesting to me, and it can be a fun, strategic challenge for a coach,” Weintraub said. “I like to figure out where my players will be most successful.”

These strategic shifts have worked for the Lions. Taking Donovan’s spot in No. 4 singles, Katarina Kovacevic made an explosive start to her athletic career as a Lion. Kovacevic played impressively, exceeding the expectations of both Weintraub and Assistant Coach Sarah Schiffman.

“I think the first set was tough for Katarina because it was the first time she’s ever played and she was really nervous,” Schiffman said. “She plays her best game when she’s not focused on her nerves, so during the second set she settled down a bit and was able to play better tennis. Kat hits the ball harder than anyone on our team. As she gets more experienced, she will know how to use her strengths.”

“Kat’s potential is enormous,” Weintraub added. “Last weekend she surpassed my expectations. She has a big game, and she can play at the top if she works at it. I feel extremely fortunate that Kat chose to come to Barnard so she could play for us.”

Kovacevic wasn’t the only freshman to make a big scene on the court last weekend. In fact, the singles courts were dominated by underclassmen—four out of six singles players being first-years.

“It was great to have so many young players out there. For a coach, it’s great when you have a freshman class who has stepped up” Weintraub said. “They also have very positive role models in their captains, who have been tremendous leaders. They’re a big reason the freshmen have been able to progress so quickly.”

Now well into the season, the freshmen have made many specific improvements in their game.

“I think they’ve become more athletic on the court. They’ve improved their footwork and their consistency. They’re learning a lot about what kind of players they will become in the future.”

“It’s like on the show American Idol,” Weintraub said, offering a fun analogy. “Simon Cowell is always telling the singers they need to know what kind of artists they are before they can be great. It’s the same in tennis. To be great in this sport, you need to know what kind of player you are.”

“Carling, for example, has a strong forehand and serve; Chelsea is a grinder and outlasts her opponents; Nikki hits sharp angles from the baseline,” Weintraub continued. “That’s one thing you can learn playing college tennis. You find out what works for you and use it to win. Each player has a different and individual style that helps them on the court.”

The Light Blue women will showcase these styles this weekend. First up is George Washington (4-3), a team Columbia hasn’t seen in coach Weintraub’s entire career. The Lions won’t go into the match blind-sighted, though. Having been trained at Penn by GWs current head coach Dawn Buth, coach Schiffman provided some valuable insight into the upcoming match.

“Dawn is a great coach. She was a pro top 100 in the world. If anything, her team will run down every ball. They’re going to be a gritty team,” Schiffman said.

On Saturday the Lions will face Maryland, whose 2-5 record can be attributed to its tough schedule so far. The Terps have dropped matches to Long Beach State, Boston College and No. 25 Virginia, 7-0. The Terps are led by senior Lisa Miller, who currently leads the team in overall singles wins (14) and doubles victories (13).

“This will be an interesting match. We’ve been spanked around on the court by Maryland in the past, so I’m excited to see a more completive match this time around.” Weintraub said.

“I think the more matches we play against good opponents, the better and better we’ll get,” Weintraub explained. “We’re going to head into the match ready for a fight.”

The Lions are on the road for both non-conference matches this weekend. Columbia faces George Washington today at 11 a.m., before taking on Maryland tomorrow at 11 a.m.