Women's tennis: Tennis team takes 2 wins

The North Carolina women's tennis team crushed a pair of nonconference foes in its first weekend of team action" dropping Gardner-Webb and UNC-Greensboro by identical 7-0 scores.

The only drama in Saturday's matches was whether either opponent would be able to capture a single set against the Tar Heels — a feat neither managed to accomplish.

Coach Brian Kalbas was pleased with his team's dominant performance. He said it was an important step to see how his players reacted to the change in mindset from the individual nature of the fall tennis season to the team play of the spring.

""For us" we need to kind of get some confidence get our feet wet so to speak. Get some routines get some repetitions he said.

And just get used to getting back into a dual match because it's completely different than it is just playing in a regular tournament" playing by yourself and for yourself.""

Kalbas used 11 of the 13 members of his tennis team in the two matches" giving almost all of his team a chance to gain experience in the dual match setting.

Freshmen Shinann Featherston Haley Hemm and Jocelyn Ffriend all earned victories in their first matches with the team" and sophomore Jelena Durisic also appeared in the team's lineup for the first time since her knee injury last year.

""The couple (of freshmen) we played today were just so fired up and really into it" and I was really excited for them senior Austin Smith said. Pretty much everyone got to play" and I think that helps them get some confidence when they get in there.""

UNC's veteran players also didn't do too badly for themselves. Upperclassmen Smith" Sanaz Marand and Katrina Tsang led the way by contributing to seven victories in doubles and singles to help UNC get off to a rousing start to the season.

The most anticipated match was between Marand and UNC-Greenboro's Alejandra Guerra who carried the No. 40 singles ranking into Chapel Hill. Marand ranked No. 47 struggled in the second set but still came out on top with a straight set victory 6-2" 6-4.

""She kind of had to stay mentally in there today. Mentally she won that match more than anything else because physically she wore her down a little bit"" Kalbas said.

It's definitely the kind of match Sanaz needed early in the season.""

Smith put on what might have been the most impressive performance of the day. The Hilton Head Island" S.C. native lost only three games total in her three matches and closed out the day by winning 6-0" 6-0 at No. 1 singles.

Kalbas said he hoped Smith can use the momentum from Saturday's success to put on a repeat performance in the team's qualification for ITA team nationals next weekend.

""She's a key factor for us. She's shown the capability to play high and beat quality opponents. For her to come out and play both singles and play the consistency with which she played gives her confidence going into next week"" Kalbas said.

 She's really determined to have this year be the best year for the team.""



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