Fall tournaments prepare women’s tennis as season approaches

For the women’s tennis team, the offseason allows players to perfect their serves, refine their volleys and improve their physical conditions.

With the fall coming to a close, the Bruins are looking to continue refining their individual games in the remaining tournaments.

As the team’s lone representative in this weekend’s Jack Kramer Classic Tournament in Palos Verdes, California, sophomore Kristin Wiley will face off against a field that includes six top-100 players.

“I’m looking to get some more match experience, focus on my first serve percentage and taking more risks while I’m on the court,” Wiley said.

The Classic will offer UCLA a chance to gauge both Pac-12 competition – including USC, Oregon, Washington and Arizona – and nonconference opponents like Baylor and Pepperdine.

“It is a really good tournament,” said associate coach Rance Brown. “It provides an opportunity for our players to get some more matches against opponents from all parts of the country.”

Sophomore Maia Magill was also expected to participate in the tournament before suffering an injury in practice Wednesday.

“I’ve felt great on the practice court,” said Magill, who missed much of the 2014-2015 season after shoulder surgery. “Now I just have to work my way back into a comfortable state and get my experience back.”

The Bruins must replace four of their top players from last year’s team, which finished as the runner-up in the NCAA Tournament.

But the regular season is still three months away. Until then, the Bruins will continue to practice their individual skills, gain match experience and prepare themselves physically and mentally for the exhausting four monthlong campaign.

“This fall has really been about finding a way to peak toward the beginning of the season,” Brown said. “It’s been refreshing to see the team excited out on the court. Overall, it’s been a good fall season.”