PSAL------

Private----

Misc-------

10/11/11: Young Hearts with Something to Prove

Every spring, our team has T-shirts made with a quote that (usually) sums up the year. Last year, ours was: “Young Hearts with Something to Prove.”

This quote really hit home for me because I feel like our team is always trying to beat the stereotype of “the struggling Manhattan College athletic team.” Being overshadowed by bigger (and not necessarily better)

sports teams such as basketball or soccer, we are constantly fighting for not only some of the limelight, but more attention from the Athletic Department as well.

As you have probably experienced at least once in your life, it’s hard to feel motivated and strive to be at the top when you are lacking outside support. Not only do we feel neglected by the Athletic Department, but sometimes it is easy to feel alone on court – tennis being strictly an individual sport and all.

Regardless of our situation, the girls I’m proud to call my teammates truly exemplified this quote to me during our second conference match of the season on October 5th. Facing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s most dominant tennis team for the last several years, we certainly gave them a run for their money.

Showing up slightly tardy due to transportation issues, the Fairfield Stags were less than friendly upon our arrival. Rushing into doubles,

we were up against three immensely strong and accurate doubles teams. A team that has had a history of recruiting strong individual players, it would only make sense that their coach would focus on doubles during most of their practices. With nothing left to lose at this point, we prepared to give it our all in the singles matches.

During matches, it’s customary for teammates to cheer each other on in between points if it won’t disturb the play of others. However, the Stags and their coach decided to kick it up a notch and talk after every point. Although it was a tactic that was clearly meant to intimidate us, we gave it right back to ‘em! Their unwelcoming attitude only empowered us to bring our best game to the table, stick together, and hit smarter.

Our only player to emerge victorious was Brianna Turano, who fought for a 7-6, 6-3 win at #4 singles. Not only did she have to battle against the terrible wind like the rest of us, she had to endure the opposing team’s coach barking at his own player to win. She definitely showed them who’s boss!

However, the match of the day had to be handed to freshman Cat Clark. After losing the opening set 4-6, she rallied hard to take the second by a score of 6-2. When they split sets the winning team had not yet been determined so they were expected to play a third set. Clark continued to play some of her best tennis and forced her opponent to earn the victory by a 4-6 score in the third.

Although we left Fairfield, Connecticut last week with a 1-6 loss, you could tell that they had not been completely ready for us. Persevering through two transitional years, things are starting to seem like they’re paying off. After all, we’ve got something to prove.