After starting the season off strong with a five-match win streak, Northwestern found itself in a four-match rut. But that changed on Sunday when it defeated Fordham 7-0.
Despite doubles having been a past struggle, the Wildcats (6-4, 0-0 Big Ten) claimed the doubles point. At the No. 2 spot, junior Neena Feldman and freshman Marelie Raath defeated their opponents 6-3. At No. 3, sophomore Mika Dagan Fruchtman and junior Autumn Rabjohns were down 4-2 but managed to win four straight games and come back to win 6-4. At No. 1, sophomore Erica Jessel and sophomore Maia Loureiro had their match unfinished down 5-4.
A notable name missing from Sunday’s lineup was freshman Margot Phanthala, who has played the No. 1 spot in singles throughout the season. Coach Claire Pollard said Phanthala sat out due to injury, but that she is expected to return next week.
Rabjohns played at the No. 1 spot for the first time in her career and dominated, picking up a 6-2, 6-1 win. Despite playing the top position, Rabjohns said her mindset remained the same as if she were playing any spot in the lineup.
“I would seriously feel the same if I was playing (No.) 1 or (No.) 6 or (No.) 3,” Rabjohns said.
Rabjohns used the variety in her game to her advantage through slicing, moving the ball around and keeping her opponent on the run.
She has had a dominant season so far, dropping just two singles matches out of the ten she has competed in, playing mainly the No. 3 spot. Last season, Rabjohns mainly played at the No. 6 spot and went 8-5 in singles.
“I feel like I’ve just gained a lot of clarity within my game,” Rabjohns said.
Feldman also had a strong match, defeating her opponent 6-1, 6-1. Like Rabjohns, Feldman has stepped into a bigger role in the program this season.
Pollard said the two juniors were the standout performers of the match.
“You saw sort of the experience and the lessons that they’ve learned really carry out today,” Pollard said.
Raath clinched the match for the ’Cats with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory. Following the win, Jessel won 6-4, 6-4 at the No. 5 spot, and Loureiro won 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the No. 3 spot. Dagan Fruchtman pulled out a win in a third-set tiebreak 6-2, 5-7, 11-9.
Looking forward, Pollard’s key takeaway is that high energy is key to the team’s success.
“We can’t worry what the other team’s doing,” Pollard said. “I think we’ve got to bring a lot of energy.”
NU will return to Combe Tennis Center to host DePaul on Feb. 22.
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