The women's tennis team is enjoying one of its best seasons in recent memory.
According to Emma Lewis '14, its No. 10 ranking in D-III represents "one of the highest national rankings that Bowdoin has had in a long time."
Bowdoin improved its overall record to 10-6 after a marathon of matches last weekend. After a loss to Amherst and wins over Tufts, Wellesley, and Hamilton, Bowdoin now has a conference record of 5-2.
The team's focus this season has been to break out of the fifth-place spot that it has historically held in the NESCAC. The Polar Bears set a goal of beating at least two of the four powerhouse teams in the conference: Williams, Amherst, Middlebury and Tufts.
With that total in mind, the team handily defeated Tufts last Thursday 8-1, marking its first win over the Jumbos in five years and showcasing the team's notable growth from last year's young roster. Bowdoin swept doubles, and every singles victory was a two-set win.
"We easily could have gone out really nervous and tight," Lewis said. "But everyone went out really strong and ready to win."
The team's 8-1 loss to No. 3 Amherst was a disappointment, but "the scores of that match didn't really speak to the competitiveness of that match," said Kate Winingham '14. According to Winingham, playing three-set matches against a top-three team was encouraging.
"We're happy with the improvement, but I definitely would not say that we're satisfied," she said. "Even though there have been big steps and big improvements, it's still an 8-1 loss."
Bowdoin went on to trounce Hamilton and Wellesley in back-to-back matches last Sunday despite losing Chantalle Lavertu '13 to a sprained ankle. The team lost a total of four points in its 6-0 victory over Hamilton. After heading into singles down 2-1 against Wellesley, the team rallied to take all six singles and win 7-2.
Finally, Bowdoin beat Bates yesterday afternoon, shutting out the Bobcats 9-0.
"We changed the doubles lineup because we weren't winning enough doubles points," said Winingham.
Captain Kellen Alberstone '13 and Lewis teamed up at No. 1, while captain Hannah Hoerner '12 and Emma Chow '15 played at No. 2 and Winingham played with captain Emily Lombardi '12 at No. 3.
Maintaining this momentum is key as Bowdoin heads into its last match of the regular season. Tomorrow's match against No. 1 Williams is a test that the team has been preparing for all season.
"We have the potential and the talent to beat these teams," Winingham said. "It really is a point here and there. We've had really physical and competitive practices this year to prepare for pressure situations in matches. We'll just continue that."