Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Sports > Women’s tennis flourishes through Pac-West play

Women’s tennis flourishes through Pac-West play

James Gerber, Staff writer

The Chaminade Silverswords women’s tennis team is currently 5-8 overall and 3-5 in the Pacific West Conference. The Silverswords have performed at an exceptional level during the past couple of weeks by beating teams such as College of Idaho and UH-Hilo. The swords are currently fighting their way to the Pac West championships and regionals, which they are capable of doing just that.

The women use great teamwork and commitment to outlast their opponents in the last couple of weeks in different tournaments with outstanding performances by each individual.

 "This season is tough,” said junior Natalie Phanphendgy. “The other teams really stepped up. Our record isn't as good as last year, but the season isn't over yet. 85 percent of our matches could have gone either way. Our team motto is control what you can control for example our body language, serves and our focus.”

This year, the women team’s goal is to make third place or higher in the conference and to make regionals. The women have to be relentless and display a "never give up" attitude to accomplish their goals, which they have to beat the Grand Canyon University on April 16 to reach third place in the conference.

 In every team, chemistry is important. It builds trust and respect for players on and off the court.

"Our team chemistry is pretty good,” Phanphendgy said. “We have a really small team compared to other schools. We can't afford anyone to get injured, so we're always looking out for each other.”

A player that has stepped up in the last couple of years has been Yuka Kondo as a tennis and team player. Kondo had to work really hard with the adjustment of a new doubles player.

The Silverswords doubles team are doing good this year especially when they went undefeated against College of Idaho, which was their highlight for season. Doubles teams Yanita Arnaudova-Yuka Kondo, Natalie Phanphengdy-Jan Matsumoto and Stacey Chaussoy-Karen Chaussoy dominated with easy wins against College of Idaho. As for singles each member of the team controlled the game by winning all six games against the College of Idaho.

Each member of the seven-player roster has performed well this season. These tennis players became much better player this year and it will take a lot of dedication and hard work for them to make it to regionals.