Women's tennis fighting shortage of players

By Kristie Kahl

The women’s tennis team does not have time to get caught up in love while they struggle to compete with a severe lack of players.

Following an upset win at home against Coppin State last Saturday, the Broncs stand at a 3-4 mark for the season, a remarkable achievement when you take into consideration the team has only five players on its roster. Consequently, the team has repeatedly had to default its No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles, meaning that they are behind in every contest before setting foot on the court.

“With only five of us, each player is under a lot of pressure now,” said senior Devin Crawbuck, who won at second singles and first doubles against the Eagles. “It’s very hard to win when you’re always defaulting players.”

The lack of players is a new occurrence for the women’s team. In the spring of 2005, the team had 10 active participants and in the fall and spring seasons of 2005-2006, the team had eight members.

According to Crawbuck, seven players is the suggested minimum for the team. Other tennis teams nationwide have between 12 and 15.

“We could use a sixth player,” Crawbuck says. “But we like to prove other teams that think we can’t do it wrong.”

The team was 1-3 in its first four matches of the season. Since then, it has rebounded to win two of its last three.

“[Having only] five girls on the team is almost an impossible situation,” said Head Coach Ed Torres. “But the players have done a phenomenal job in making the matches as close as they have been.”

Although an incomplete roster is a disadvantage, a sense of unity and chemistry has been built between the players.

“We stick together and we know each other so well,” said Crawbuck. “We have a special bond and energy when we’re out there on the court.”

Nevertheless, the girls do feel they need room for improvement when it comes to their mental game.

“Being out on the court, we’re trying to win but we need to be out there longer, fighting harder,” adds Crawbuck. “We’ve been rushing to win so fast that we get carried away.”

In spite of its setbacks, the program is still developing quite well, according to senior captain Kelly-Ann Chouinard.

“Four years ago, when I first came to Rider, we finished seventh out of eight teams in the MAAC,” said Chouinard, who outplayed Coppin State’s Kyana Beckles, 1-6, 6-2, 6-0. “We improved to third place the following year. Much of the success these couple of years is due to the transfer of Devin and Caitlin Crawbuck who were able to pull off important wins at the top of the line-up.”

Freshman Kristina Paich won at fourth singles and at second doubles against Coppin State. It was the Broncs’ first sweep of the season.

“Rider, throughout the history of playing against Coppin State University, has always brought 100 percent of their game,” said Reshard Kellici, head coach of women’s tennis at Coppin State. “Good competition is always hard to come around, and Rider never fails to bring it.”

The women’s team will continue its uphill journey this Saturday, Oct. 14, at La Salle and again on Sunday, Oct. 15, against Morgan State.