Despite a rookie-heavy roster this season, women’s tennis (4–3) exceeded expectations and finished second in the NESCAC West Division. Four of seven rostered players — including All-NESCAC singles players Amy Delman ’24 and Gena Huang ’24 — were freshmen this spring, as most sophomores and juniors took a gap semester. Delman, who played in the top spot for Middlebury this season, was named to the first team, while Huang earned second team honors with a 6-1 overall record. Kavina Amin ’24 and Sami Remis ’24 also compiled impressive rookie campaigns for the Panthers, finishing with a 3–3 and 4–3 overall record, respectively.
“I am blown away by the freshmen’s performance,” senior co-captain Emily Bian ’21 told The Campus. “They really came out and exceeded my expectations by miles.”
“I thought the freshman class did absolutely amazing,” head coach Rachel Kahan added. “Everyone came up big — to be able to perform under pressure was really fantastic.”
Bian and Ann Martin Skelly ’21 were senior co-captains this season, primarily playing doubles together. Sophomore Caitlin Neal ’23 finished 3–3 on the season.
The 2021 season spanned from April 10 to May 8 and included seven matches for the Panthers. Earlier this year, the chance of having a season was in doubt, so just being able to play was a huge bonus for the team.
“Our team needed [the season],” Bian said. “There’s only so much you can practice and compete against each other. Putting our competitive energy against actual opponents was really great. I think the team will take away a lot from that.
“It’s going to be a stacked team next year — I’m super excited to see where they will go,” Bian continued. “I think they are a team that has it all. I have high expectations and I have no doubt that they will reach them.”
Blaise Siefer ‘23.5 is a sports staff writer.
Siefer is majoring in Sociology and minoring in Spanish.
For three semesters in 2021 and 2022, Siefer served as Senior Sports Editor. He also co-founded a Middlebury sports recap podcast, PFL Weekly, which is released on all major streaming platforms every Tuesday.
Siefer is also the Co-Founder and Co-President of Middlebury Club Soccer.
