Team have now lost five in a row after 6-2 start
The Rams will have to wait another week to end its five-match losing streak after being swept by Charleston Southern. PHOTO CREDIT: gorhody.com
The University of Rhode Island Women’s Tennis team fell on the road to Charleston Southern 7-0 this past weekend at the Gary Clark Banks Sr. Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C. This loss, the team’s fifth in a row, moves them to 6-7 on the season.
With the trip down south, the team was faced with the transition from indoor to outdoor courts. According to Rhode Island Head Coach Val Villucci, outdoor courts have additional weather and environmental elements that slow down the speed of the ball and require smarter play between competitors.
Despite the defeat, she remained in good spirits in her team’s ability to successfully make the transition, as they will remain outdoors for the latter half of their season.
“We knew we would have to make the adjustment eventually,” Villucci said. “Throughout the day, we battled, but our opponents are experienced in these conditions and can make those adjustments easier. Even though we lost, we still were able to compete, despite what the score might suggest.”
The Rams started off strong when the No. 1 doubles team of Valentina Cvackova and Klara Nelander, bested Charleston Southern’s team of Tiffany Pyritz and Zoe Cauthen, 6-2. However, with wins over the Rams No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams, the Buccaneers secured the first match point of the day.
“It was a hard match outside, with the sun and the wind.” freshman Klara Nelander said. “But it felt really great to open the day off with a win for the team. Of course, the day didn’t go exactly as planned, but I was happy with how well our team adjusted to the conditions as the day went on.”
Charleston Southern went on to win the first three singles matches, leaving the fate of the Rams in the hands of Nelander. After two sets, Charleston Southern’s Amila Jusufbegovic secured the victory over Nelander with a pair of 6-3 wins.
“I wouldn’t say that it was the best game I’ve played.” Nelander said. “I felt like I could’ve won. I had an opportunity but the timing wasn’t there and I missed it. It sucks, but you learn from it I guess.”
Villucci had nothing but praise for Nelander following her loss, noting her ability to adjust off the jump of the ball kept her in the sets against Jusufbegovic.
“Klara is improving with every match,” Villucci said. “She is such a smart player, reads the ball well, and is gaining more confidence as we get further in the season. She does what she can to pull away with the victory and if she doesn’t- her opponent simply bested her.”
Using last Friday as a learning experience, Villucci noted her top priority is to improve the team’s consistency on outdoor courts for the remainder of their season.
“Unfortunately, there really is no way to prepare for that sort of transition, until we are actually there and competing.” Villucci said. “Coming back from spring break, we try to make the full transition outside, weather permitting, so practice will be important before next weekend.”
The Rams are back in action in Rhode Island on Saturday when they host Boston University at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. The team hopes they can end their losing streak before traveling to Atlantic 10 rival Richmond on April 2.