Women's tennis falls despite powerful play

Author: Alex Lovett-Woodsum

The women's tennis team closed out its regular season at home on Saturday with a tough 7-2 loss to Amherst, the number two-ranked team in the region. On a sunny afternoon that saw temperatures climb into the mid-80s, the women fought hard and demonstrated the skills they have worked to hone all season. The team finished with a winning record (9-8) in the regular season and now looks forward to NESCACs this coming weekend, which will be be hosted by top-ranked Williams.

Middlebury's number one doubles team of Tri-Captains Chandra Kurien '09 and Elizabeth Stone '09 lost their match to Amherst's Brittany Berckes and Natasha Brown, who are regionally ranked number three in doubles. Despite tough play, Kurien and Stone ultimately fell 8-3, but not before serving up some intense rallies and crowd-pleasing plays.

As a testament to their leadership, Kurien and Stone sat on the hot court instead of retiring to the shade after losing their match so they could cheer on the team on the adjacent court. The next court over, that sister-sister team of Tri-Captain Clare Burke '09 and first-year Anna Burke '12 won its match at number two against Amherst's Bell and Ankola, defeating them 8-4.

"Watching Clare and Anna play is funny because Clare refuses to get angry," said number one singles player Tori Aiello '12. "She'll just whip out some huge serves or hit the opponent at the net, especially if the person goes after her little sister. Anna is the same way. I think the other schools have learned by now not to mess with team 'Burke-Burke.'" Aiello and fellow first-year Alex Guynn '12 rounded out doubles play, losing their match 8-1 to the number three team from Amherst, leaving Middlebury trailing 2-1 leading into singles.

Aiello bounced back at number one singles, going up 3-2 against Berckes, who was forced by a shoulder injury to serve underhand before retiring altogether. Aiello had a breakout season this year, ending the regular season with a winning record at number one despite coming up against many players who had three more years of collegiate level play than she did. Kurien lost a tough first set 6-2 to Carlissa King, who was fresh from sitting out in the doubles round.

Kurien fought back hard in the second set but could not pull off the win, losing 7-5. The senior had a fantastic season in both singles and doubles, boasting a 7-2 league singles record - the best on the team. Following Kurien's tough loss, Middlebury was unable to turn things around as numbers three through six lost their matches. Despite this loss, the team remains optimistic.

"It was a tough loss, but it was a beautiful day for our last home match and our senior day," said the elder Burke. "I think we are going to have really focused practices this week and we are looking forward to going down to Williams. We are going to have three really tough matches, but that's what we've been working towards all season."

In light of senior day, some of the younger players reflected on the leadership of the three senior tri-captains. Jamie Haar '10 noted that, "when we played Williams a few weeks ago, Clare gave out little plastic bags with candy and notes with inspirational words for everyone on the team. It was a good idea and set a positive tone going into the match."

Aiello added that "[Stone and Kurien] paired up over spring break to make us food," appreciating in particular the guacamole made by Stone. She also noted that, during the fitness test, "Chandra was miles ahead of everyone, setting a tough pace. I guess that explains how she's able to win such long matches."

Under strong leadership by the tri-captains and head coach Mike Morgan, the team is definitely looking forward to NESCACs this coming weekend at Williams, hoping to avenge losses to Bowdoin, Williams and Amherst.