UCLA women’s tennis hopes to shuffle its way to the top

They’ve got a brand-new dance, and it’s called the Bruin Shuffle.

They’ll show you how it goes.

Moving their muscles and showing off fancy footwork, No. 4 UCLA (14-3, 4-1 Pac-12) stayed loose and relaxed during a Wednesday afternoon practice, the last before swinging south to square off against No. 23 ASU (12-5, 3-2) and No. 38 Arizona (13-3, 3-2).

After a hectic conference schedule that had them spinning to the right and to the left, the Bruins said they want to use their team experiences as well as the return

“We’re doing everything possible to prepare for competition,” said coach Stella Sampras Webster. “(With injuries) we can’t take anything for granted, but we make sure we’re here mentally and physically.”

UCLA, led by the No. 1 singles and doubles team senior Robin Anderson and juniors Catherine Harrison and Kyle McPhillips respectively, have steamrolled their last three opponents, including rival and 17-time NCAA champion Stanford. However, the Bruins said that their depth is what will set them apart from other teams.

“This is the kind of team where one through six can win.” McPhillips said.

Through adversity and injuries, the Bruins said each player’s experiences during the season would help her become a better player. With postseason play fast approaching, they hope to use their training and perseverance to dance their way to the trophy.

“We want that feeling again,” said senior Chanelle Van Nguyen

UCLA will return to Los Angeles to round off its home schedule against Colorado (10-8, 1-6) on April 10 and Utah (8-10, 3-4) on April 11.

Although the Buffs and the Utes lack the firepower of traditional powerhouses, the team said that with the high caliber of players in the Pac-12, even the lowest ranked team could kick the defending national champions from their perch.