Pacific’s women’s tennis team is having its best season in a decade and building for a positive future behind a roster with no seniors.

The young Tigers’ 8-6 record is tops in the past 10 years for this stage of the season. Fifth-year Coach Mike Erwin credits tenacious play by a large group of freshmen and returning players succeeding despite adversity.

“I think the start of it is building a team where players support each other,” said Erwin. “There’s no difference between scholarship athletes or non-scholarship athletes. We say there are different roles, but everybody occupies the same space, and they’ve taken that and believed in it.”

The 10-player roster is comprised of six freshmen, one sophomore and three juniors.

The juniors have not had a typical college athletic experience due to schedule interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Erwin relies on their leadership.

“Trying to get them to understand their roles and that they have the experience they need be successful is important,” said Erwin.

Junior co-captain Danielle Zamora started this season with a winning streak before beginning to struggle. “That’ll humble you,” said Erwin. He references her record (now 5-7) as an excellent example for younger teammates to see one of their captains face adversity and continue to fight back.

“For my coach to rely on me means a great deal of responsibility and gives me an extra push to proudly represent my school,” Zamora said.

Junior Zoe Clydesdale-Eberle will take advantage of the extra year NCAA student-athletes are given due to COVID-19, so she has two more years. She has an 8-3 record. “Zoe’s the one I don’t have to worry about as much,” said Erwin, noting her consistency.

Junior co-captain Klara Kosan also will take the extra year and stay with the Tigers two more seasons. She started this season slowly, but was switched to No. 2 singles and has won seven consecutive matches for an 8-4 record.

While Erwin relies on his juniors for leadership, he asks his freshman to fill essential lineup spots. 

“Definitely, with this freshman class, we knew that it was a group that would have to come in and contribute right away,” said Erwin. “We had some players move out last year, and we knew coming into this with a large group that they (freshmen) would play a role.”

Freshman MiaAngelina Ruja (8-4 overall) made the switch to No. 1 singles about halfway through the season. “I think Mia feels inspired in that spot and feels like she can compete and do well there,” said Erwin.

“Having the support of the upperclassman has helped a lot,” Ruja said. “They have given me advice on what to expect and how to handle things to best represent our team and the school.”

Cindy Ung, Alexis Sam and Megan Carmichael are the other three freshmen who have seen significant time for the Tigers. Ung and Sam are 5-4 as a doubles team.

Freshman Olivia Wiese and Zara Fung have not played in many matches, but they are just as crucial to the squad, said Erwin. He credits the two with always practicing hard, stepping up when they are called to play and cheering on their teammates.

The team’s loudest cheerleader is sophomore Maile Brilhante. Those who attend matches will hear her vocal support.

“Maile screams and yells for her teammates until she’s lost her voice twice,” said Erwin. “That’s important to me because she’s someone who’s not in the lineup at this point, but she’s embraced the role” and supports her teammates.

Four of the team’s last five matches are against West Coast Conference teams, which Erwin knows will be difficult.

“We feel like we’ve had a great opportunity to compete and do well in every match,” he said.