We've just wrapped up an amazing weekend of tennis here at Whitman which included a wonderful match against LCSC (read here) and about the most exciting start to the conference season we could have had (read here), you can always also check scores on www.itatennis.com under "Awards and Rankings" and click on recent results and look for Whitman team results or DIII women.
I can't possibly go through the details of the weekend without writing a book, so I'll say thanks to the LCSC Warriors, for being just that, true warriors who battled and fought as we played 4 doubles and 10 singles matches, giving all of our players a chance to play. We saw great tennis and great effort from all.
Then, today vs. Willamette we pulled out a 5-4 victory in the most exciting way. Up 2-1 after doubles (and winning a gritty 8-6 proset at #4, Emily set the tone with a terrific first set win, Elise followed and was able to win in straight sets to put us up 3-1. Unfortunately after a tooth and nail battle in the first, Kate fell in 2 sets to a talented Willamette freshman. So, at 3-2, Alyssa fell in two tough sets and Emily played some inspired tennis but lost 6-4 in the third. The match was up to our depth and at 6 singles, Hannah was a boss. She played like a senior never getting rattled and cruising in two sets. Lizzy had a terrific first set then some adjustments by her opponent and a momentum shift had her in a third set.
A third set for a match tied 4-4 is thrilling as everyone watches and cheer for their team after almost every point. Sometimes it is about fitness or heart or tennis, but today all three came into play as both players saved their best for last and after an early change of breaks, held into a tiebreak at 6-6.
In her first NWC match, Lizzy banged out some of her best points and had the crowd roaring going up 4-0, then cruising to a 7-2 win to win the match for Whitman. It was a great individual effort and a wonderful team display.
Then, the team stayed after this marathon to treat local kids to free tennis and prizes for our campus kids day. Thanks to all the kids, Whitman Students, family members and Walla Wallan's who watched and supported us, it was wonderful both days. Special thanks to my twitter helper for keeping those who couldn't be here updated.
-Coach Hein
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Coaching Philosophy
To me, being a college student is about opportunity and growth. As a coach, I consider myself lucky to spend 4 years providing opportunity while nurturing growth. We use common goals, hard work, open communication, respect and accountability as means to building meaningful relationships and improving each player’s skill set on and off the court. This means embodying championship virtues to inspire athletic, academic and personal growth that not only happens while you are at Whitman, but becomes a part of who you are throughout life.