Tennis slogs way through rigors of ACC play

In a Terrapin women's tennis season characterized by surprising success, the Terps' barometer of progress in their most recent stretch of matches has changed.

After an early stretch of matches resulting in 11 wins, the rigor of conference play has meant progress can't easily be defined by points. Instead, against some of the nation's best teams, it's about simply competing for the Terp women.

Losses to No. 3 North Carolina and No. 4 Duke last week snapped the No. 28 Terps' six-match winning streak, and matchups with No. 11 Georgia Tech today and No. 12 Clemson on Sunday won't be much easier. The Terps' (11-4, 1-4) performances this weekend will be used as a measuring stick as they continue moving forward in a grueling ACC schedule that poses a final obstacle before the ACC Tournament.

"We're always pitted against good teams in the ACC, so the results [from matches against North Carolina and Duke] weren't what we wanted," coach Howard Joffe said, "But I was very satisfied with how we competed and handled ourselves in those matches. If we continue to improve and stay healthy, then we give ourselves our best chance to succeed."

The weekly ITA Rankings show the continued improvement of the squad. Junior Cristina Sanchez-Quintanar, undefeated in singles play, has finally made a significant jump in the singles rankings to No. 32.

Quintanar and freshman partner Jordaan Sanford also entered the doubles rankings at No. 39 nationally. The tandem has gone 14-1 this season.

The men's team, coming into this weekend having lost five straight, is excited at the prospect of righting its own ship. The No. 44 Terps (9-7, 1-4) will get their shot at picking up decisive ACC victories at home this weekend when they play No. 48 Clemson today, and will play another top-ranked ACC team in No. 19 Georgia Tech on Sunday.

"I expect a huge crowd when we play Clemson, who have been involved in a lot of close matches this season," coach Kyle Spencer said. "We've had a great week of practice to prepare for both of these teams, and the guys have really committed to working together as a team. The execution in the matches is what we're looking forward to."

The Terps will have an opportunity to strengthen their conference record before the ACC Tournament in late April. Four of the remaining six matches will be played in College Park, and all of the Terps' opponents are ranked, promising a challenging finish to the season. Key to a Terp turnaround is a higher level of play from junior Maros Horny, ranked No. 86 in the country, who has not win a singles match since Feb. 27. Sophomores John Collins and Tommy Laine, ranked No. 71 in doubles, will look to put the team on their backs as well. Laine, once a winner of seven straight singles matches, has gone 1-4 since March 4.

"We're ready to finish strong, and the guys have been super excited for this part of the season," Spencer said.

TERP NOTE: Barring inclement weather, this weekend's matches will be played outdoors at Cole Tennis Center. If not, the matches will take place at the Tennis Center at College Park.

nmunson@umdbk.com