BATTLING THE BULLDOGS

There is a buzz about the women's tennis team as they head into their first dual match of the season, where they will take on Bryant University today at the tennis courts. Thus far the team's only match experience has been in the tournament format, but the players and coaches are looking forward to getting back into the swing of a dual match setting.

"It's always exciting going into the dual format and we're hoping to produce a good result against another quality Division I opponent," said assistant coach Kate Tellers.

For some of the players, such as freshman Abby McKeon, there is still a certain sense of unease heading into today's dual match and the first of her Division I college career.

"I'm still going through some of the nerves, not as many as before, but I'm still kind of nervous. But I'm also very excited for it," McKeon said.

Junior Katie Moritz, who was battling illness along with a few other members of the team who did not play last week look forward to playing again and are especially excited for a dual match.

"I'm glad to be getting healthier and I look forward to putting forth a competitive effort this weekend," Moritz said.

Today's dual match isn't the only tennis the team can expect to play this weekend. They are heading to Pennsylvania to participate in the Bucknell Invitational which also gives the team an excellent chance to gauge where they are in comparison with their Northeast opponents. These matches make for four straight days of competitive tennis, which is great for the team.

"I'm excited for the dual match, but at the same time, the chance to play three more days of tennis after that match is excellent too," said senior captain Alison Campitello. "It's going to be some excellent practice for all of our players in preparation for the spring and I'm looking forward to seeing what this team can do then."

The other seniors on the squad are also intrigued and excited about the potential that this team possesses

"We have had a great beginning, and we are getting some great matches in and we are really playing well," said senior captain Kelley LoRusso. "This team looks excellent compared to my previous years here and I can't wait to see what the newer players can do once they get into the swing of it ... This coming week gives myself and the rest of the team a good chance to see where we are and where we would like to be."

"The practices are looking great and there is a great team dynamic here, and this looks like it is going to be a pretty good year for us," senior Jennifer Marotta said.

Last week the team did very well against some stiff competition from throughout the northeast, but they think that they build on that.

"We are working hard and have faced some very good competition and met the challenge with some pretty good success, the team format is good and I can't wait to see us build upon this," Tellers said.