Photo from gorhody.com. Tennis won their first matchup of the season vs in-state rival Bryant
After dropping the season opener to Boston College, the University of Rhode Island Tennis team bounced back in a big way with a 4-3 victory over Bryant on Saturday.
The match ultimately came down to a No. 1 singles victory by sophomore Nadia Rajan, who recovered after losing the opening set to win 2-6, 7-6, 6-2 in three sets. Head Coach Val Villucci credits Rajan’s performance to her ability to stay poised in difficult situations.
“She definitely has a no-quit attitude,” Vallucci said. “She’s proven that the last two matches.”
Rajun was down 2-5 in her second set before coming all the way back, only dropping three games the rest of the match.
Rhody also picked up straight-set victories at singles by seniors Tiara Higuchi (6-2, 6-4) and Rachel Smilanski (6-2, 6-0), as well as junior Sydney Chratian (6-1, 6-0). An additional 6-1 set victory was scored at doubles by the combination of Higuchi and junior Paulina Loredo.
Both of the Rams’ matchups to start the season were played at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The site has become a welcome constant for the team in the wake of a very unpredictable season, as it is also set to host their next four matchups.
“In the past, we’ve had to travel for most of our spring season, not having a regular home that we could count on,” Villucci said. “It’s definitely giving us a better chance at winning some close matches, like the one we had [Saturday].”
The facility has recently added a number of “bubble courts” in order for the team to safely play and host opponents during the pandemic. This feature has been “the difference” in being able to host these matches, according to Villucci.
“The wear-and-tear of traveling on the road catches up with you,” she added.
Rhode Island has had to make some adjustments to their normal match preparations. Since the pandemic has lessened the amount of practice time each week, they have taken up yoga to help stay active, with Coach Villucci saying it has helped in “a big way.”
One of Rhody’s strengths this season is their overall depth on the roster. With the amount of flexibility in their lineups, every player has a chance to contribute and make a difference.
“They all need to know that they have a role to play on the team,” Villucci said. “They have responsibility to fill when they are out on the court.”
With so many players getting on the court, not everyone is able to participate in both singles and doubles events. Having her players focus on a team-first mindset and “capitalize” on their opportunities, Villucci said, is the key to success moving forward.
“When they are asked to play in one of the events and not both of them, there is a bigger importance to their role,” she said. “It’s important that they embrace that.”
The Rams will have a busy stretch coming up this weekend, playing two matches in three days. They will host Stony Brook on Friday and Providence College on Sunday. Both will take place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.