Bruins prepare to face tough opponents on Bay Area trip

By Hannah Gordon
Daily Bruin Contributor

The women’s tennis team was beat up and worn down after a
busy spring break playing USC, Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount. As
a result, the team sought a little rest and relaxation this week
before today’s trip to the Bay Area.

“We’ve played a lot of matches so at this point we
are trying to get healthy and stay fresh,” Head Coach Stella
Sampras said.

Sampras plans to do this by focusing on the quality, not
quantity, of practices and by giving her players time to rest and
study.

No. 29 UCLA plays No. 6 Cal today and No. 1 Stanford on Saturday
for the first time this season. Both are impressive opponents.

Stanford is the nation’s only undefeated team (17-0) with
the help of the nation’s top singles player, sophomore Laura
Granville.

Cal has a 12-2 record with losses to Stanford and Washington.
Cal and Stanford are difficult teams to play, but the Bruins look
at the matchups as learning experiences.

“We don’t look at the teams as intimidating,”
Sampras said. “These matches are an opportunity for each
player to play someone with a high ranking.”

No. 1 sophomore Sara Walker agreed.

“All of their players are good so everyone will have tough
matches,” she said.

During the week the team emphasized resting and preparing
themselves mentally since health has been a problem this
season.

Walker, ranked No. 12 nationally, will probably not abe able to
play Stanford’s Granville due to a foot injury, but she may
compete in doubles.

“If I can play through the pain, I’ll play,”
said a determined Walker.

The entire lineup is up in the air due to the injuries of Walker
and senior Zana Zlebnik, who is still recuperating from a back
injury. In the meantime, the rest of the team is also dealing with
aches and pains from the heavy schedule.

Freshman Lauren Fisher summed up the team’s sentiment
about the trip: “Everyone is beat up but we are looking to do
our best. They’re both great teams. Just playing them is
fun.”