If it was at all apprehensive about its upcoming weekend match against a nationally ranked team, the Penn women's tennis team failed to show it.
"This is a team we always look forward to playing. They're tough," captain Julia Koulbitskaya said about No. 14 Virginia Commonwealth.
And is she nervous?
"No."
The demeanor of the other players reflected their captain's sentiments; the girls ended their Thursday morning practice like it was any other, calm and confident in their play.
This women's tennis team has reason to remain collected.
Coming off of wins over talented Marshall and East Tennessee State last weekend, the team is undefeated so far this season with a 4-0 record.
This Saturday the girls will host a double header, facing VCU at noon, followed by Georgetown (1-5) at 4 pm.
"This is the best team we'll play all year, and it's exciting that we'll be playing a team of that level at home," head coach Michael Dowd said of VCU. "They're a great opponent and this match will give us a good look of where we are on a national level."
Junior co-captains Koulbitskaya and Yulia Rivelis remain undefeated in their singles matches.
The Quakers will also look towards freshman Ekaterina Kosminskaya to bounce back after her first collegiate loss last week.
VCU presents a tougher challenge than Georgetown will. But the team is careful not to overlook their second match against a team coached by one of Dowd's friends, Gordie Ernst. The Hoyas' 1-5 record might belie their true capabilities, since they play in the difficult Big East.
"I'll be looking forward to both matches," Dowd emphasized.
VCU, with its decisive victory over Old Dominion on Valentine's Day, has improved to 9-2 and will bring some of the foremost talent in the country to Penn's courts, including tough singles players such as Olga Borisova and Marianna Yuferova.
The Quakers' win over No. 59 Marshall last weekend has made them confident that VCU is beatable, however.
"All the girls know that we must play our best match to win. Our captains have been hitting the ball great," Dowd emphasized. "VCU will be all international. Their top seeds are nationally ranked."
With a 4-0 record and the dauntless attitudes of both coach and players, the women are well-equipped and more than ready.
"We've been training really hard," senior captain Ashley Lostritto remarked. "Hopefully it will carry over to our play this weekend."
And no, they're not nervous.
