There is only one way to describe the Nebraska women's tennis team this year: perfect.
Last weekend the Cornhuskers defeated Air Force Academy and Northern Iowa to move to 11-0 on the season. The Huskers are off to their best start in team history, and they are not looking back.
On Friday the team dominated the Air Force Falcons, who came into Lincoln with a three-match losing streak. The Huskers shut down the Falcons, winning a 7-0 shutout at the Nebraska Tennis Center.
It was an extremely good day for Nebraska senior Imke Reimers, who moved into second in school history for most career doubles wins with her 69th victory. With doubles teammate Jana Albers at her side, the duo swept the Air Force No. 1 doubles team 8-0. Reimers also completed her third 6-0, 6-0 sweep of the spring season in singles play, which moved her into third place on the NU all-time singles wins list with 82.
"It's nice" said Reimers, "but it's not what it means in the end."
Nebraska's No. 3 freshmen doubles duo of Amber Chandronnait and Stephanie Evans handled their opponents 8-5 while No. 2 doubles teammates Maria Ring and Wiveca Swarting defeated AFA's Erlyn Rudico and Lauren Wilson 8-3. The No. 2 doubles are 11-0 together this season.
"We are playing really well, and (we are) communicating well," said Ring, "We are concentrating on the aggressive parts, every point. We are getting comfortable."
Nebraska's singles didn't do too bad themselves, compiling a 6-0 record against the Falcons. Freshmen Albers, Chandronnait and Abby Buxton easily handled their opponents, while Evans completed a hard-fought victory against Air Force's Christen Monreal, 7-6 (5), 5-7, (10-4).
Sunday's match against the Northern Iowa Panthers was completed in just about one hour, not because of complete domination by the Huskers, but rather because of traveling concerns for both teams with severe weather forecasted later that night. The two squads didn't compete in doubles play, agreeing that if either team reached four points in singles, then the match would be determined.
Ring said she was disappointed that Nebraska didn't get to try its hand at another doubles match.
"It's sad, but that's how it is," Ring said. "There is nothing you can do about it."
The forthcoming weather didn't seem to bother the Huskers at all, as they swept the Panthers 4-0. Albers and Evans were close to finishing their singles matches, but Reimers, Buxton, Chandronnait and Swarting quickly handled their opponents for the first four points.
The Huskers, 11-0, have gone 10-0 at home, and every win has been in the form of a sweep.
Nebraska looks to come in strong into the Nebraska Tennis Center on Saturday when it plays host to Baylor, a team NU lost to 1-6 last year, and a team it is 1-11 against in match history.
The Lady Bears have won nine straight, and are looking for a win on the road. They are currently 11-1 and are ranked No. 4 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association polls. Nebraska will look to go to 2-0 in conference play if it can handle Baylor.
"It's a little different level of talent," Reimers said. "We will try to go out there; we have the self-confidence."
timuryasz@dailynebraskan.com
