The Alabama Crimson Tide women’s tennis team is fulfilling expectations as it moves into the heart of its spring season. The Tide has shown that it is a force to be reckoned with even though it is only a few short weeks into the season. The team has demonstrated a sense of unity thus far and hopes will only strengthen as the spring progresses. It has battled in a series of close matches and, more often than not, come out on top.
In its first weekend, all eight members of the team traveled to Charlottesville, Va., to the UVA Invitational where the Tide showed its strength and tenacity by winning seventeen matches – finishing strong with a seven-match sweep over Utah.
It then traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to the ITA Kickoff Weekend where it lost a 4-3 nail-biter to No. 15, Texas.
“It could have gone either way, but the credit goes to Texas on that one,” head coach Jenny Mainz said.
Alabama was able to finish the tournament strong with a 4-1 win over No. 30, Arizona. The Tide now has down time from the competition until it hosts Rice and SMU on Feb. 18 and 19, respectively.
“I feel good about the team,” Mainz said. “I think everybody is working hard and we’re all on the same page. We’re getting help from all positions. I don’t think its just a few people. Everybody’s contributing, our doubles play is getting stronger and I think that’s very important because that’s how you start every match. I think we just have a lot of confidence and we’re playing very dynamic doubles.”
Confidence was never an issue for Alabama, having entered the season with three players nationally ranked in singles as well as one pair of nationally ranked doubles partners. To top it off, the Tide is also predicted to win the SEC West by the league coaches in the preseason poll.
The team has shown that they do not just depend on leadership from one area. They work as a unit supporting each other, something that is not always seen in tennis, as many do not view the sport as being completely team oriented.
Mary Anne Macfarlane, a sophomore, plays No. 1 for the Tide and is nationally ranked at No. 13.
“She’s a heck of a competitor and she’s got a real fighting spirit and competitive mentality,” Mainz said. “She really leads the way for us.”
Macfarlane is not the only underclassman showing that she has what it takes to be a leader. Alex Clay, a sophomore, has also stepped up her game to overcome the competition. She is a feisty competitor, Mainz said.
Macfarlane and Clay show unsurpassed leadership on the court, but it is seniors Courtney McLane and Taylor Lindsey that hope to lead and encourage their team all the way to the NCAA Tournament.
“Taylor and Courtney have been great for our program and great ambassadors for Alabama,” Mainz said. “They’re great people first, but they’re great athletes. As many tangible things as they provide, they provide so many intangibles for our team. They have made an impact on our program and I’m really expecting great things from them this year.”
