Women's Tennis Continues to Dominate Conference Play; Defeat Pirates 7-2

Recently, it seems as if nothing can stop the momentum of the Lady Corsairs. Riding a seven-game winning streak, SMC women's tennis geared up for their second match-up of the season against Ventura College. Just as they had in the first affair, Santa Monica wasted little time in a decisive 7-2 victory over the Pirates.

"I was very happy about the team's effort against Ventura," said head coach Richard Goldenson. "In both matches, everyone put out 110 percent effort and this is why the final score was 7-2 both times."

Sophmore Anastasia Eliseeva led the Lady Corsairs into battle, giving the team an immediate boost with a straight-set triumph over Ventura's Katya Welborn; 6-4, 6-0. This is becoming old hat for Eliseeva, as she has now won seven consecutive singles matches without losing a set.

Not to be outdone, freshman Jutta Collet followed up Eliseeva's dominant performance with one of her own. Collet also finished off her opponent in straight-sets, making quick work of the Pirates' Bertghold.

Continuing their early success, the Lady Corsairs would prevail in three of the next four singles matches and definitively put their stamp on the contest.

Heading into doubles competitions with a stout 5-1 lead, SMC looked to continue pressing the action and subsequently bury their opponent.

The Lady Corsairs opened up with the team of Eliseeva and freshman Tina Lauritzen in opposition to Ventura's Bertghold/Gray. The match was tight throughout, as Eliseeva/Laurizten squeaked out an 8-6 decision over the Pirates.

Doubles success didn't come so easily for the Lady Corsairs, as Ventura would take the next game in tie-breaking fashion against SMC's team of Collet/Penez; 9-8. Not to be deterred however, Santa Monica would end the game on a high note courtesy of Thomas/Kauffman with an 8-6 match win and an overall 7-2 triumph.

With their eighth consecutive victory, SMC's success this season has been predicated on their aptitude to stay in the game at all times. "The entire team has an uncanny ability to concentrate and stay focused throughout the matches," said Goldenson.

In order to continue that success into the post-season, Goldenson believes that the Lady Corsairs merely need to bring everything they have to offer. "To succeed in the playoffs this team just needs to stay on track and play their best tennis," he said. "They have all the tools and if they bring them to the court anything is possible."