It was a promising weekend for the Linfield Wildcat women’s tennis team as they faced the California Institute of Technology Beavers in Indian Wells, Calif. Excitingly, the Lady ’Cats were able to pull out a team victory over the Beavers defeating them 6-3.
In the singles competition, it was freshmen Marisa Kume and Mackenzie Fraser and junior Gretchen Jernstedt coming out on top tying up the team scores 3-3. Kume defeated Cal Tech’s Valerie Pietrasz in an exciting three set match with score 6-0, 2-6, and 10-2 while teammate Jernstedt defeated Beavers’ Michelle Tang 6-3, 6-2. Fraser defeated Chen in a two set sweep with scores 6-2, 6-3.
“Going into the matches, I was thinking how lucky we were to have this opportunity to play teams out of our league and get the chance to learn from these matches. It’s so much fun to be able to travel with these awesome people, but it’s also fun to grow as tennis players through these non-league matches,” Fraser said.
There was no doubt that the ’Cats women’s tennis team was having a lot of fun as the Linfield Wildcats swept the doubles matches with the senior Caroline Brigham and Fraser defeating the Beavers with a tight score of 8-6, the juniors Kaila Nip and Kelly Watanabe team defeating Cal Tech’s team of yet another exciting score of 8-6, and the Jernstedt and freshman Courtney Mostul team defeating the Beavers’ team with an exhilarating, nail biting score of 9-7. By the looks of these scores, there is no doubt that the ’Cats tennis team is off to a promising start for their 2014 season.
“Our team is doing fantastic this season. We are starting out strong not only with a few wins, but also with very positive attitudes and a strong bond,” Fraser said.
However, the ’Cats have not done it alone. These young ladies have been guided by new head coach Lisa Macy-Baker. Baker, a Linfield alumni and Hall of Fame athlete, has large shoes to fill as Dames Smith–prior head coach–has coached the ’Cats to six Northwest Conference Titles and three appearances in the NCAA Division III Regional playoffs. Nevertheless, these shoes fit Baker perfectly. Fraser was ecstatic when talking about Baker.
“She’s like my second mom. She’s there for you on the court and off, which I think is really unique and special to have in a coach. We’re so lucky to have her this year,” Fraser said.
By the outcome of the ’Cats Palm Springs tennis tournament, there is no question that their team is off to a good start.
“As a team, I think we are pretty rock solid. I think time will tell what we need to improve on, but so far we are doing great,” Fraser said. “This California tournament has really helped to bring our team closer and has helped us to get even more practice that will definitely help us to be match ready in the Conference season to come.”
With conference matches starting right around the corner, there is no doubt that Linfield will be hearing more from Fraser and the Linfield women’s tennis team in the weeks to come. Their conference opener is a home match on March 14 against George Fox University at 4 p.m.
Casie Gaza/ Senior Sports reporter
