Battle lines have been drawn by Bakersfield College’s women’s tennis team, said Coach Gene Lundquist, and the team lives up to the “Churchillian phrase: ‘Don’t give up,'” according to Lundquist.
The team’s WSC record is 3-6, and their overall is 3-8.
“They’re fighters,” Lundquist said of the team. “Their level of competitiveness is at the top of the ladder.”
Freshman Jennifer Kelly believes the team is completely committed to facing challenges.
She cites the team’s “diversity of experience” as a plus. Kelly especially lauds fellow player Leia Perkins as being a consistent asset to the team with her formidable forehand and ability to deliver competent ground strokes.
Kelly wishes to improve her own backhand volley. Kelly says the team’s doubles strategy is continually being worked upon, and it is on the upswing. Kelly says the team is “building for next year’s team.”
The team faced a challenging game with Santa Barbara City College at BC March 29, which BC lost 2-7. Santa Barbara dominated the singles matches, winning 5 matches.
The team’s No. 1 player, Amy Cowan lost 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. Fellow top player Ruth Cressa battled top SBCC player Susanne Petrie and won the matches 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
“I had fun with the rally, a good time,” Petrie said.
Cressa admits that she is constantly working to improve her serve.
The team lost to Ventura 2-7 March 30. However, the team was victorious over Cuesta 6-3, April 3.
April 12 is when BC will face Santa Monica on their turf in Santa Monica.
The team’s WSC Tournament is April 19-21 at Cuesta. Their Ojai Tournament is April 26-29.