By Jake SimpsonThe Daily Northwestern
After a strong season last year, culminating in a run to the NCAA quarterfinals, Northwestern could be worrying about living up to this season’s high expectations.
But going into this weekend’s National Collegiate Tennis Classic, the pressure hasn’t been affecting the Wildcats.
“Right now, I think we’ve put winning on the backburner,” coach Claire Pollard said. “We are just trying to grow as a team.”
With a squad dominated by freshmen and sophomores, the young team – ranked ninth in the country – cannot help but appreciate the relaxed attitude. Other than senior Alexis Prousis, the team will rely on its underclassmen, first and second-year players less accustomed to the national spotlight.
The NCTC is the first of two invitationals for the Cats against top-flight competition. Only the top eight teams from last year were invited to the tournament, creating a field of the nation’s best players.
“Our competition so far has not been very strong, so this will be an opportunity to play against the nation’s elite,” Pollard said.
Playing quality opposition for the first time this year will provide the young team with much-needed experience heading into Big Ten play.
“This weekend will answer a lot of questions about the young players,” Pollard said.
Those young players have been stellar so far. Led by freshmen Lauren Lui and Samantha Murray, who have won 10 matches apiece, the underclassmen have posted an overall mark of 46-14. With strong results at the ITA Midwest Regionals and the Bronco Invitational, the freshmen have surpassed the learning curve expected by Pollard and the upperclassmen.
“The freshmen and sophomores have played great,” Prousis said.
Prousis and Rose are particularly excited about their renewed partnership. The No. 30 doubles team in the country has played together before and is thrilled to once again be on the same side of the net.
For Prousis, the familiarity with Rose bodes well for her defense of last year’s NCAA doubles championship, which she won with now-graduated Cristelle Grier.
“I actually know Georgia better than I knew Cristelle,” Prousis said. “And there’s no one I would rather play with.”
Both coach and players are excited about spending the weekend in southern California, with a trip to Florida for the Seminole Invitational next weekend. A dual opener against DePaul and Big Ten play loom on the horizon, but right now Pollard just wants her team to have fun.
“We’re in great shape,” Pollard said.
Reach Jake Simpson at [email protected].
