Maryland memories die hard

Michael Dowd is determined not to let the past repeat itself.

Last year, his Quakers fell by a score of 5-2 in an early-season match against Maryland in College Park, Md.

With memories of last season's defeat fresh in the minds of coaches and players alike, the women's tennis team's match this Saturday against the Terrapins (7-2) represents an opportunity for the Quakers to prove that what took place last season was an aberration.

"I think the girls remember that match," Dowd said. "We're going to have them at home this year - and we're going to take it to them."

The Red and Blue (5-1) head into Saturday's match coming off a dual meet in which it suffered its first loss of the season to Virginia Commonwealth before defeating Georgetown later in the day.

Although the Quakers were disappointed with the loss, they see it as a learning experience that will help them as they approach the rest of the season.

"I think we just use [the VCU match] to learn things about our game, work on some things this week, and just perfect it this weekend," junior captain Yulia Rivelis said.

Coincidentally, Maryland also comes into Saturday's match off a loss to VCU. For the Terps, whose nine-woman roster includes four freshmen, the 6-1 defeat was their worst of the year.

Dowd hopes his team - and its fans - are able to take advantage of Maryland's youth.

"I think when you're playing at home against a bunch of freshmen, you've got to get a lot of fan support - a lot of people cheering," he said. "If its a big point, . that could rattle them."

Saturday's match is the Quakers' last before a long road trip to California, during which they will participate in five matches in seven days. While a victory over Maryland would surely give his team a morale boost before this crucial trip, Dowd is confident that his team will be well-prepared for the West Coast swing, regardless Saturday's outcome.

"As long as we're playing well, trying hard, and doing the right things, we're going to be ready for the spring break trip," he said.

While the Quakers are satisfied with their record and overall progress this season, they recognize that there is always room for improvement.

"There's definitely more work to be done," assistant coach Sara Schiffman said. "I think with each match we want to build and improve and learn from our mistakes. . It's a long season, so we're just hoping for everyone to stay healthy and improve with each match."

After reflecting on the season, Schiffman sized up the significance of this Saturday's match.

"It's a big, big match for us," she said. "They're ranked ahead of us and we know we can beat them, so we want to take advantage of the opportunity."

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