Four rainy days since my last post – but it hasn’t slowed us down! On Sunday, we ended the Fab-5 tournament on a high note with an 8-1 victory over #22 Sewannee, the University of the South. The Sewannee team plays a different style than our usual opponents. They play extremely consistent tennis, with heavy topspin groundstrokes. It was a taxing match after a long weekend, and we were happy to come out on top. Undoubtedly, the Sewannee victory can be attributed in part to an incredible team snacks on Saturday night. Team snacks is a tradition familiar to most Williams athletes. For us, this means that one class year provides delicious tasting, but generally horrendous pre-match food, in order to pump up the rest of the team for the contest the next day. Sometimes the snacks symbolize our opponents’ colors or mascot in some way, and sometimes they do not. The seniors orchestrated an excellent, non-symbolic, “chocolate bunny hunt” for the freshman, sophs and juniors. Things got pretty aggressive in the final round, and ultimately Taylor “Tots” (French ’12) prevailed – a true testament to the superiority of the junior class.
After chocolate bunny hunting, the Sewannee match, and dinner, Mr. Capute treated everyone to Dunkin Donuts. Later that night we switched rooms for the second week of the trip. Intended to maximize team bonding, this switchup conveniently ensured that no one victim would have to share a bed with Kara (Shoemaker ’14) – whose long limbs have a tendency to flail uncontrollably in her sleep – for a full 12 nights in Atlanta.
Monday was our first completely off-day, so naturally, we took the opportunity to visit Atlanta’s impressive Lenox mall. Under the supervision of professional shopper Lucy (Marchese ’11), this outing was nearly as successful as the one at Short Hills. Kara successfully avoided the temptation of those ever alluring stuffed giraffes, while Tots, true to her eccentric Cali style, purchased a pair of rainbow Sperry Topsiders.
To wind down from our hard day of rest, we gathered for a team favorite activity – a Law and Order SVU marathon. After Nikki (Reich ’11) was reduced to tears during a particularly average episode, (“but they were going to kill Lizzy!”), we went to sleep hoping for sunshine.
Unfortunately, Tuesday brought more rain, so we practiced inside. Two hours on the fourth floor of the Emory fitness complex confirmed the saying “heat rises.” It was a grueling and sweaty practice. Under the dim lighting, everyone became frantic about losing the precious tans gained during our first few days outside.
Today we played #10 Gustavus Adolphus – yes, indoors – in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal NCAA matchup. Coincidentally, Gustavus’ playing style is exactly opposite to that of Sewannee. They are aggressive, they close the net, and they go for big shots. However, we adapted well in order to win the match 7-2.
Tomorrow, our spring break trip culminates at 2 pm when we play #3 Emory on their home courts. We just finished snacks a few minutes ago. Getting creative as we near the 2-week-on-the-road-mark, and unable to find any treats in the shape of an Eagle (Emory’s mascot), the sophomores went with a French theme – mini eclairs and madeline cookies. The hotel fire alarm cut snacks a bit short. As the alarm blared, Veranika “RonRon” (Li ’13) lunged for the eclairs as she dashed out the door. Interestingly, this was the one item she chose to salvage in the event of possible fire – not her rackets, her clothing, her computer, or even her lone classmate Nancy “Pants” (Worley ’13). Thankfully, it was a false alarm, and everyone is safely back in their rooms preparing for tomorrow.
The Eagles are riding a 14-match-win-streak, and they are some of our toughest competition every season. Their lineup features a few talented freshman and a few seasoned veterans, and the match is sure to be a challenge. Needless to say, everyone is pumped to hit the courts once more before our flight out Friday morning. Send us good vibes for one last match – Goo Cows Moo!
Kristin
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