Chemistry is a pivotal part of doubles tennis — just take a look at Ashley Dai and Chloe Ouellet-Pizer.
When the North Carolina women’s tennis team found itself playing some close doubles matches early during Wednesday’s match against N.C. State, it was Dai and Ouellet-Pizer that pulled out a commanding 6-2 win to set the tone for a 6-1 victory by the Tar Heels.
“No. 3 doubles getting off to a good start really helped us,” Coach Brian Kalbas said.
Both through tennis and off the court, the pair has grown close and become a pivotal part of the team.
“Ashley’s a little fiery, and obviously Chloe is very consistent and calm out there," Kalbas said. "I think they mesh really well together.”
While Dai and Ouellet-Pizer have enjoyed some success this spring, they have not always been partners.
After fall practice, Dai talked to Kalbas about what pairing would be best for the team. Dai and Ouellet-Pizer have been playing together ever since.
“Style-wise they play really well together, and chemistry-wise they’re really good together,” Kalbas said.
Harmonizing on the court has never been an issue for the pair, and the duo has gotten closer by both winning together and making things easier on each other.