The Blazer Tennis team has reached the MIAC playoffs in each of its past three seasons. This year is no different as the Blazers look to challenge tennis powerhouses Carleton and Gustavus for conference supremacy.
Saint Ben’s returns all but one player from last year’s squad, which finished fourth in the conference with a 13-7 overall record and 7-3 in conference play. It will be difficult to replace 2011 graduate Kylie Huether, who played No. 1 singles for the Blazers.
“Kylie has a dynamo personality, so it has been difficult without her,” senior Lauren Jones said.
Jones and five other seniors return to help lead the Blazers in 2012. Jones, who split time at No. 2 and No. 3 singles, finished with an 8-11 overall record.
Senior Aly Brandell had an overall record of 8-9 last year, but playing alongside Huether in No. 2 doubles, went 8-3 last season.
The Blazers were strong a year ago in the No. 4 through No. 6 singles. Current seniors Sarah Rossman and Megan Siepel, along with sophomore Jamie Hoffman, combined to produce 42 wins last season and only 13 losses.
After last season’s performance, Head Coach Scott Larsen was named 2011 MIAC Coach-of-the-Year. With their return to the court this spring, coaches and players are confident in the team’s depth and singles play. Larsen and his teams have qualified for the MIAC playoffs in five of six seasons, but Larsen knows the team will need to improve in doubles play as competition picks up.
“We had to mix up the doubles teams since we lost Kylie,” Larsen said. “We will have some new players in doubles.”
Seipel agreed that finding a rhythm in doubles competition would be an ongoing goal to work towards.
“We are learning to adjust to new pairings,” Seipel said. “We need to try out some different combinations.”
Larsen has noted several other goals the Blazers need to improve from last year.
“We need to work on finishing points and putting the ball away so we can hang around in matches,” Larsen said.
Saint Ben’s first test will be in non-conference play against Minnesota State University Moorhead today at Gold’s Gym in Sartell, Minn.
“I use these matches to determine what I need to work on and knowing what shots to hit,” Jones said.
As this group of seniors enters its final season together, Seipel has high hopes for 2012.
“We are excited for what (this season) has to offer,” Seipel said. “This team has talent to compete. We want to challenge Gustavus and Carleton.”
The Blazers will surely be gunning for the powerhouses but consistency will be key.
“We want to advance to the conference tournament and keep the streak going and to place within the top-three in the MIAC,” Larsen said. “(The team) will try to defeat both St. Olaf and St. Thomas in the same season %u2013 something this senior class has never done.”
The Blazers have a deep talent pool and plenty of experience on the court, but they will have to rely on senior leadership if they want to topple the powerhouses of the MIAC.