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April 12, 2004
What a whirlwind weekend! We left Thursday
afternoon and didn't stop until 11:30 pm Sunday night when we dragged
our tired, but victorious bodies back to campus and caught some
well-deserved shuteye.
We took on Tufts, Amherst, and Williams,
all of which are top Division III competitors and all of which had
home court advantage. No matter the conditions, though, whether
sunny and beautiful, freezing and hurricane-strength winds, or indoors
on mats, our versatile team stepped up to the occasion and "took
it!"
First was Tufts, closest to Boston of the three, and the first to
feel the strength of Emory tennis. Doubles was close, but all three
went Emory's way once the final balls fell. In singles everyone
played very well and our only loss came at the hands of a very capable
girl who Carina Alberelli just barely lost to while playing No.
2singles (I was still a little weak from a recent illness and played
three for the day).
As soon as we took out the Jumbos we loaded up and headed to the
accommodations for the night, complete with vaulted ceilings (only
the best for Emory tennis). While some of us studied and made food
runs, others took in movies to relax before Amherst the next day.
After a nice breakfast at the hotel we
piled into the two sleek, black SUVs and headed off to the courts.
After taking an inadvertent tour of campus (complete with visits
to the golf club and feed supply store), we found the tennis courts;
or should I say wind courts.
Not to be thrown off balance by the gales, we all stepped it up
and dominated in singles and doubles (except for the No. 2 position,
this time played by yours truly who had a close match against a
tough opponent). Into the SUVs again and amid pretzels, bagels,
and lots and lots of chocolate we wound our way through the mountains,
past the rivers, past almost all forms of civilization, to the quaint
town of Williamstown, MA, home to Williams College.
Though near freezing, the sun was shining and we assumed we would
face our opponents outside. Contrary to popular belief, however,
the distant chance of rain was enough to push the match indoor onto
the mats/hockey rink/tennis courts. Not to be flustered, Emory sent
the Ephs out to pasture. It was our closest match of the season
so far, with huge wins coming from Jamie Chan and Margaret Moscato
in clutch matches. What an egg-cellent job on Easter Sunday!
No account of the weekend would be complete
without thanks going out to our loyal fans, mascot, and our beloved
coach Amy Smith. Thank you for the snacks and cheers, and for bringing
the most precious dog I have ever met!
Also, Petie Chapman and Breana Lai were huge factors not only on
the courts but in terms of team morale. I have never known a team
to laugh harder and longer than when we all get together before,
during, and after matches. Whether nearly having heart attacks cheering
for teammates, giving a good "keyword" cheer, or studying
hard for sociology exams (wait, that didn't happen…I mean
playing paddleball in Logan airport) they added that extra something
to this trip that made this weekend most enjoyable.
One final thank you goes out to the Easter Bunny (aka Mrs. Chapman)
who somehow managed to surprise us Sunday morning with a gorgeous
Easter basket filled with goodies. Thank you and Happy Easter!
Jolyn Taylor is a sophomore from Ft.
Walton Beach, Fla. She would love to answer e-mail
questions from Emory recruits and fans.
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