For Virginia women’s tennis coach Mark Guilbeau, team success is more than just winning and losing.
“How well they treat each other and how they care for each other and how they push each other at times, and how they strive for a common goal is going to ultimately mean more to them than anything that they take from here,” Guilbeau said.
A victory along the way serves to help build team morale, and after last weekend’s wins against Wake Forest and N.C. State, Virginia has set itself up for a strong performance at the ACC Championships beginning Thursday in Cary, N.C.
Without last weekend’s matches, the Cavaliers (12-8, 5-6 ACC) would have been in a less than ideal position heading into championship season. After the pair of 5-2 victories against the two ACC foes from North Carolina, however, the team has proven it can successfully adjust to lineup changes.
No. 7 Virginia, No. 5 Florida State, No. 6 North Carolina, No. 8 Virginia Tech, No. 9 Wake Forest, No. 10 Boston College, No. 11 Maryland and No. 12 N.C. State comprise the competition in the first round. No. 1 Miami, No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Clemson and No. 4 Georgia Tech await Thursday’s winners in the quarterfinals to be played Friday.
Entering the tournament as the No. 7 seed, the Cavaliers will face Boston College (7-13, 2-9 ACC) in the first round and could potentially matchup against Duke should they advance past the Eagles.
“If we just execute and just be a lot tougher than we have been — who knows — we could definitely reach our goal,” senior Amanda Rales said.
Though Virginia’s season began with several question marks in the starting lineup because of offseason issues — two girls quit from last season — and an influx of freshmen, the team’s chemistry has improved of late.
“It’s become clearer than ever where we all stand, and it’s together,” Guilbeau said. “It’s really good. The team has shown so much commitment and support, especially over the last few days. There’s always challenges out there ... The team is maybe stronger than ever right now.”
Seniors Rales and Maggie Yahner have witnessed tremendous team growth this spring — more so than in past seasons.
“I couldn’t be happier with the team we have on the court right now and with our coaches,” Yahner said.
The Cavaliers’ confidence in their recently shuffled lineup will be put to the test in the first round against Boston College.
In the teams’ regular season matchup, the Cavaliers managed to top the Eagles 6-1 at home for their third straight victory en route to what would become a season-high six-match streak. Virginia swept all three doubles matches and five of the six singles matches.
Yahner was still recovering from knee surgery at the time, however, and was not part of the singles lineup. She did, however, pair with freshman Claire Bartlett to earn an 8-1 win at No. 2 doubles.
”In doubles, I feel like I’m playing the best that I have at this program,” Yahner said. “In singles, I’m kind of just getting back. I’m glad to be in, and I’ll definitely be in for the Tournament, so hopefully I’ll peak there.”
Guilbeau said he has full confidence in the senior despite her lack of playing time during the regular season.
“She knows exactly what she’s doing,” Guilbeau said. “She’s worked extremely hard, but you have to make sure you pace through some things, and pick your spots — even in practice. It’s good to see her healthy and moving well – that’s a big part of anyone’s game. Maggie deserves that health.”
With one more week remaining in their collegiate playing careers, Yahner and Rales have worked to instill the team’s values in freshmen like Emily Fraser, Claire Bartlett, Lindsey Hardenbergh and Karoline Steiro.
“This season has now reached a point that’s greater than winning or losing,” Guilbeau said. “There’s, I think, some determination from the team and some commitment there that’s so strong, I think as a coach, and the I think the players feel the same way. We’re committed to winning, but I think that they’re giving so much, that there’s nothing that a win or a loss is going to overshadow what’s going on before the matches.”
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