Penn builds confidence with 8-1 win

The ruckus in the stands at Lott Courts last Saturday afternoon did nothing to prevent the young women's tennis team from once again proving itself to its fans, as the Quakers defeated Georgetown University, 8-1. "Each time you have a success it builds your confidence," coach Cissie Leary said. "The more early successes we have, the better off we will be as the year moves on." The closest match of the day was between Penn freshman Julia Feldman and Mary Elliott at the No. 3 spot. After a grueling first two sets, Feldman overpowered her tired opponent in the third set, winning 6-7, 7-5, 6-0. Just playing in the No. 3 spot as a freshman is an accomplishment by itself. However, Feldman has shown more than mere promise: she has won the won first two matches of her collegiate career. "I'm not sure if I played my best tennis today, but I won and that's what really matters," Feldman said. "We are an exciting team and everyone played strong all around." In contrast to Feldman's youth, Beth Brady, the senior captain of the team, has also started off the season on a positive note. Playing in the No. 5 spot, Brady defeated Erin Kamemoto 6-0, 6-2. "I think that we played very strong considering it was only our second match of the season," Brady said. "We are a young team with a lot of potential, and I'm pleased to see that our freshman have played well so far." In doubles, Lara Afanassiev and Andi Grossman beat a strong Georgetown team comprised of Katja Senn and Kamemoto at the No. 3 spot. While not as powerful as their Penn opponents, Senn and Kamemoto played like back boards, returning everything Grossman and Afanassiev gave them. After many long and seemingly endless rallies, the Quakers finally prevailed, 7-6, 6-2. Whether they win or lose, the Penn team will greatly benefit from all of its fall matches by the experience it will gain. Even for co-captain Preety Sorathia Penn's No. 1 singles player, the match play is invaluable. "It's a big mental step for Preety to move up to the No. 1 spot this season," said Leary. "She is nervous about it but she has earned the right to play No. 1, and she will prove that fact." As Leary anticipated, Sorathia has been successful thus far at the No. 1 spot, defeating Georgetown opponent Laura Schoellkopf 6-1,6-3. The Quakers will now gear up for the Eastern Collegiates tournament being played at Princeton University this weekend. This is one of the premier eastern tournaments, consisting of 16 teams. There are no team points as the tournament is for individual competition only. However, Leary hopes the Quakers will benefit as a whole as they continue to gain more match experience.