A season riddled with injuries and growing pains on the court has left the lady Boxers with 4-13 record. They are 0-11 in conference play.
There is potential in the majority of the women and sights are on next season to make more of an impact in conference.
“The biggest challenge is that we lost the top two players on the team and only having one senior makes there be a lot of pressure on the youth,” said Brian Jackson, director of Pacific’s tennis program and head coach of the men and women’s tennis teams. “Players with not a lot of playing time in the past are being thrust into leadership positions.”
Players agreed that the start of the season was rough, but they’ve been putting up a fight.
“It has been challenging not having a stable line up, but we have dealt with it by having faith in our teammates and coaches,” said sophomore Amber Craviotto.
All the women who stand out to Jackson this year on the court he said have made improvements over the season and the future is exciting for this team.
Sophomore Synclaire Waldron was injured last season and in pain through this season, but pushing through.
“She’s a competitor, a battler,” said Jackson. “She holds herself to a high standard on the court.”
Craviotto’s on court style is described as “aggressive and intense” by Jackson.
He said she came into her own over spring break as the Boxers played in California and she won both her singles and doubles against No. 20 ranked Occidental.
“I think everyone’s goal for the end of the season is to beat George Fox,” added Craviotto.
Sophomore Lillian Do brings a strategic playing style to the court.
“She has a skill many of our players don’t have which is patience,” said Jackson. “She’s a smart player.”
Junior Francesca Battaglia took a break from tennis before playing for Pacific and Jackson said is regaining confidence on the court.
With this season as a learning experience for everyone, Jackson has set strong goals for the off-season.
“The goal over the off-season is that people are healthy and fit to do the improvements we want to do,” he said.
While health was a goal walking into this season, Jackson continues to create a broader culture for the Boxers.
“Our big goal this year was culture, based on hard work and structure, but while enjoying playing,” said Jackson. “We want to get a full team where tennis is a very high priority in their life.”
The lady Boxers take on the George Fox Bruins at home at 4 p.m. April 12 in the Holce Tennis Courts.
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