This past weekend, the University of Rhode Island women’s tennis team competed at the Minutewomen Invitational, hosted by the University of Massachusetts, winning a total of 11 matches and losing 12.
The Rams faced Harvard University, St. John’s University and the host team, UMass. URI women’s tennis Head Coach Jonas Brobeck reflected on this weekend’s invitational following the three-day competition.
“This was a great opportunity to compete against teams that set higher standards,” Brobeck said. “Which in turn is invaluable for our players to gain competitive match experience early in the fall season.”
Over the course of the three-day event, first-year Katharina Spieth emerged as a standout player, achieving success in doubles play as the only player to win two singles matches. She also won both of her doubles matches with two separate partners, first pairing with second-year Blake Rothchild to secure a 6-3 victory against Red Storm duo of first-year Giulia Bizzari and second-year Nicoline Sartz-Lunde at third doubles. Spieth then teamed up with fellow first-year Grace Darcy, delivering a 6-1 win over fourth-year Mariana Campino and second-year Amelia Tye from Massachusetts at second doubles.
The Rams faced this competition without a key member of their lineup, third-year Sophie Herman, who was sidelined due to injury. Herman has earned accolades including 2024 First Team All-Atlantic 10, 2024 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference, and finally 2023 Second Team All-Atlantic 10 through her first two years with the Rams.
“You know it is all about preparation leading up to this tournament,” Brobeck said. “Each match gives an opportunity for development individually and challenges the girls to meet those high standards set by schools such as Harvard, and UMass and St. John’s.”
Looking ahead, Brobeck discussed the team’s aspirations for the season.
“Our mindset is to get back to work,” Brobeck said. “We have a dedicated group that is eager to learn and committed to hard work, which is crucial as we continue to build our culture. This culture is ever-evolving, and our players are consistently showing up and putting in the effort every day.”
Next up for the Rams is another tournament with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association New England Regionals from Oct. 10-14, as they look to gain momentum during their fall season.