Women’s tennis takes on No. 10 Clemson University with changes in lineup

The women’s tennis team will head for warmer weather next week as it travels to Florida for its annual spring training trip after spending the break last season in California.

The women, who are not yet ranked for this season, are scheduled to face four out-of-state opponents—NJIT, Clemson, Florida Atlantic, and Nova Southeastern. This year’s trip is particularly exciting for the Lions as they have the opportunity to face the No. 10 ranked team Clemson University. Though Columbia’s other three opponents have fallen out of the top 75 ITA rankings, they remain on the cusp of a national ranking and should still prove to be tough competition for the Lions.

Only weeks before Ivy play, Columbia will really need to buckle down this break to prepare for the weeks ahead.

“The most important thing the team needs to do this week is stay healthy, keep working hard to improve every day, and go into Ivy season believing they can win,” head coach Ilene Weintraub said.

With new changes made to their team, the Lions are excited as they train for Ivy season. The Light Blue had to adjust to the absence of the No. 1 doubles team of Nicole Bartnik and Carling Donovan during last weekend’s matches. Bumping up co-captain Natasha Makarova and freshman Chelsea Davis to No. 1, Katarina Kovacevic and Eliza Matache took the court for the first time as a doubles team at No. 2. The Light Blue duo saw great success during the match against George Washington, winning their match 8-2, and the two are expected to pair off again in the upcoming matches.

“Katarina and Eliza showed great potential over the weekend,” Weintraub said. “They make a good team because Katarina has an amazing first serve and is able to set up Eliza at the net with her penetrating forehand. Eliza has a great overhead and defensive volley. Together they really have it all.”

But Kovacevic and Matache won’t be the only ones looking to continue their success on the court. After taking a few days to rest her shoulder, No. 1 singles player Nicole Bartnik is back and ready as ever.

“I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes,” Weintraub said. “The No. 1 from Clemson better bring her A-game next week.”

After the break, Columbia will return home for a match against local foe Fordham on Friday, March 26 at 4 p.m.