A special trip up I-95 for W. Tennis

Women's tennis meets against the Tigers have always been a little special.

"There's a certain rivalry with Princeton," senior Julia Koulbitskaya said.

For the four seniors on the team, Saturday's trip up I-95 will be extra special: It will be a chance for them to go out as winners against the Tigers.

During their time at Penn, the seniors have guided the Quakers to a 2-1 record against the orange and black, winning the last two.

This year, the Tigers (7-6) are coming off their first win against a ranked opponent, knocking off No. 55 Illinois to wrap up their Puerto Rico trip.

But Penn (5-6) expects to take advantage of its game experience against its New Jersey rivals.

"We've been in situations where all of our players have been the last one on the court . so we're used to close matches," coach Mike Dowd said. "If we're in that situation, we're going to do well."

Senior Yulia Rivelis also agrees that has helped her team grow.

"At pressure moments, you definitely learn things during matches," she said.

Both Rivelis and Dowd feel that the past three weeks have been very productive for the Quakers. The team has played seven matches in that time span, including five in California and six against ranked clubs, which has improved Penn's fitness and mental toughness.

"We've learned to play longer matches and stay out there for as long as it takes," Koulbitskaya said.

Their matches the past few weeks have also been great opportunities to gain experience under both the sun and the roof.

"We've just been trying to prepare for both outdoor and indoor conditions because at this time in the season, it's still uncertain where we will play depending on the weather," Koulbitskaya said.

Against Princeton, all three have stressed the importance of playing well in doubles. The winner of the doubles point has the momentum going into the singles matches, which has been key in determining the outcome for Penn.

During their recent seven-game stretch, the Quakers' two victories were started out by doubles success. Out of their five losses - four of which were by a 4-3 margin - the Quakers won the doubles point only once.

Princeton has lost four of its last six doubles points, dating back to its last home match - five weeks ago.

Senior Michelle Mitchell, recently added to Dowd's doubles rotation, best summed up the situation facing the Red and Blue.

"It's my last Ivy League season before I graduate," she said. "So I feel the team is really prepared."

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