Many athletes and coaches will agree that good camaraderie is a key element toward the success of any team sport.
Oregon women’s tennis head coach Nils Schyllander expressed that exact sentiments after watching the Ducks practice the past two weeks.
“Our team right now has lots of energy,” Schyllander said. “It is like a family atmosphere and we have a very tight-knit group.”
Freshman Dominika Dieskova achieved her first singles win in her college career last weekend at the Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Championships in Los Angeles. It is a positive start for the women after suffering through a tough schedule and untimely injuries last season.
Although the Slovakian native is one of the younger players, Schyllander believes her play does not reflect her inexperience at the college level.
“Experience-wise, right now, she is a junior and senior,” Schyllander said. “She’ll be a very good player.”
Senior Courtney Nagle competed Tuesday at the All-American Championship qualifying rounds at UCLA. She was
defeated by Vanderbilt’s Amanda Fish, 6-2 and 6-4, in her first match of the day. In the second draw, Nagle again lost in straight sets to Marshall’s Jessica Johnson, 6-3 and 6-3.
“She played real well at times in both matches, but made a few costly mistakes,” Schyllander said.
Despite the losses, the mere presence of the senior has encouraged the team. This summer, Nagle worked extremely hard to return to playing after rehabilitation for the back injury she suffered last year.
The Ducks are looking to the senior to provide the leadership role. The team consists of two seniors and a total of four freshmen and sophomores. Her determination to getting back to 100 percent and playing as soon as possible has shown to the younger players the commitment it takes to become successful at the college level.
According to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association preseason rankings, Nagle is currently ranked No. 35 in the nation .
“We are just happy to have her back on the court,” Schyllander said. “It’s just a matter of getting match experience, after coming back from rehabilitation from injury.”
Last year’s Pacific-10 Women’s Player of the Year, junior Daria Panova, will have her first match of the season Thursday in the main draw of the All-American Championships. Panova is ranked 7th in the nation in singles.