Since the beginning of their season in the fall, Fairfield University’s club tennis team has been working hard. As their season progresses, they press on despite the cold weather. Juniors Jake Lowenstein and Madison Phillips are the captains of this co-ed team, leading them through practices and matches.
The team has had a successful year. They have played against schools such as Fordham University and the University of Connecticut. Back in November, they pulled out a win against rival Sacred Heart University, with a score of 79-70. Phillips commented, “Our biggest rivals are Sacred Heart. We always want to win that match a little extra since we are so close in location.”
The team is hoping to continue this momentum moving forward into the spring semester. “Our season has been going great so far and it has been fun getting to know the new additions to our club team throughout the year,” Phillips continued. “We are looking forward to the spring season ahead!”
One of these new members includes first-year Ava Grant, who described her experience on the team as “a great outlet…It’s also a pretty close group on the team, so it was a great way to meet new people and make new friends.”
The team is composed of devoted and enthusiastic players. When asked about standout players, Phillips highlighted first-year Lucy Carnegie, who has been on a roll lately. She showed her dedication to the team by helping to organize a team SoulCycle class as a bonding activity, further fostering the sense of community among the players.
The team’s schedule consisted of practices four days a week in the fall. Now, they practice twice a week. Players on the team switch up who they practice with, boys and girls alike, keeping things interesting and allowing players to improve. To combat the cold during the winter, the team practices at the indoor courts at the Tennis Club of Trumbull.
The team’s hard work has rewarded them with success on the court. “We have only had one loss this season and have five matches coming up in the spring season,” Phillips added. “Our invitational is something we are very much looking forward to as well!” The next home invitational will take place on April 6 against Sacred Heart University, The College of New Jersey and University of Massachusetts. There will be another invitational on April 27.
Grant depicted the comfortable and friendly dynamic of the team, saying, “It’s a really chill environment, not super intense, so it’s a perfect small workout in my week.”
The team has created a determined but relaxed atmosphere, allowing players to thrive. “The atmosphere of the team is fantastic,” first-year Lauren Buckly explained. “All of my teammates are so nice and supportive and make it such an amazing team and environment to be a part of.”
Club tennis’s next match will be away against Vassar College on March 2. There will be another home game against Quinnipiac University on March 30.
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