With just two games remaining in its regular season, the Virginia women's tennis team is looking to knock out Clemson and Georgia Tech for one last hurrah before hopefully heading into the NCAA Tournament.
The Cavaliers have had a recent string of success, after two wins last weekend against No. 32 N.C. State and No. 50 Wake Forest. And even though the squad lost to No. 19 Florida State and No. 11 Miami the weekend prior, Virginia coach Mark Guilbeau maintains that these matchups helped to motivate the team.
"The last four matches, we're all pretty happy, even though we know we didn't get those results ultimately a couple weeks ago," Guilbeau said. "But that's what really boosted us, I think - it was the start of something really positive, and I'm glad that we all approached it that way."
The close of the season is particularly significant for the lone senior on the team, Jennifer Stevens. She refuses, however, to become too nostalgic.
"I'm kind of happy," Stevens said. "I'm looking forward to these two last matches and just moving on hopefully ... It'll be a fun day."
The two teams this week present vastly different challenges for Stevens and the rest of the Cavaliers, although both Clemson and Georgia Tech are coming off losses to then-No. 2 North Carolina and wins against then-No. 7 Duke.
"Georgia Tech is a very disciplined team - they're well-coached," Guilbeau said.
He added, however, that he thinks Virginia still stands a chance against the Yellow Jackets, considering their somewhat tumultuous season thus far.
"I know they've had some injuries and maybe aren't quite at full speed compared to what they we're hoping to be when the year started," he said, "and we gotta take advantage of it."
After Saturday's matchup with Georgia Tech, the Cavaliers then will take on Clemson the next day at noon. The Tigers may provide a greater challenge, Guilbeau said.
"Clemson is a different team," Guilbeau said. "Not to discredit anyone's talent, but Clemson has always been pretty talented. They've got some kids that can do a lot of different things with the ball, play with a little more variety, so we have to be ready on individual courts to match that and make sure we understand the unique nature with which some of those girls play."
If Virginia is successful this weekend with these two home matchups, the team will be able to wrap up the season on a high note - a significant change from just two weeks ago, when heading into matches against North Carolina and Duke, many spectators were questioning where the team went wrong. Now, the outlook has changed dramatically.
"I think we're getting close," Guilbeau said. "Every year is different - some years you establish early on and kind of maintain. Other years you may never find it. This is one of those years where we're kind of gradually working through and maybe peaking at the end, and if you're going to peak, that may be the very best time to do it."
And if the Cavaliers are peaking now, they may have a shot at accomplishing their goal of postseason accomplishment: the Sweet 16.
"I think we have to hope we get into the NCAAs in a good spot maybe, and have a shot at it," Guilbeau said. "I think with a young group ... as soon as the kids experience that it becomes the standard, and I think once they taste that, they're never gonna doubt the worthwhileness of getting there again"
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