The women's tennis team's unbeaten run this year was brought to an abrupt halt over the weekend.
Duke beat Mississippi and California to reach the semifinals of the USTA/ITA Women's National Indoor Tennis Championship, but there in the penultimate round the top-ranked Florida Gators triumphed over the Blue Devils, 5-1. Florida lost in the finals to No. 2 Stanford, 5-1.
Nevertheless, the third-seeded Blue Devils did not return from the tournament in Wisconsin downtrodden as the team's play throughout the competition had many high points.
For one, reaching the semifinals of the National Indoors was a first for the Blue Devil program. For another, the match against national powerhouse Florida proved proof that Duke could play in the big time. The actual match-up was much closer than the final 5-1 scoreline suggested.
Two of Duke's singles players, Christine Neuman and Lisa Pugliese, both lost close matches in third sets against Florida. Neuman went down to Jill Brenner 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-3, while Pugliese lost to Kristin Osmond 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Monica Mraz was also winning against her opponent when play was suspended after Florida clinched victory with a win in doubles.
Head coach Geoff Macdonald was not diappointed by the result.
"We fought very well," Macdonald said. "Florida just had an extra slither of experience. Lisa [Pugliese] had her first experience of a national level college match and the next time she'll get it."
Florida's No. 2 player Brenner, who is the sixth ranked player in the nation, was given a scare by Duke's Christine Neuman, who is ranked 12th.
"Christine needs to be taking risks in attacking more," Macdonald added. "Her game is still growing [and] Brenner came up with some pretty good shots."
Duke's No. 1 player, Julie Exum, who went 1-2 in the tournament, had a tough schedule this weekend. Losses for the senior from Jacksonville, Fla. have been a rarity this year.
Against Mississippi, she had a match-up with the nation's No. 1 ranked Paloma Collantes. In a valiant effort, Exum went down 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.
"Paloma's a good front runner," Macdonald said. "She slugged it out from the baseline and when it got close, she would come up with some really good stuff."
Exum's other loss came against Florida's Lisa Raymond. Raymond, who currently plays professionally part-time, is ranked 80th in the world. Exum was overmatched and was defeated in straight sets.
"I don't feel discouraged in any way," Macdonald said. "It was a good tournament and a great effort. Our present attitude and spirit are phenominal."
That team spirit that Macdonald tries to describe was exhibited during the tournament. The Blue Devil players were the most vocal of all the schools in attendance and every opponent was made to feel as if they were playing the entire Duke team, according to Lyons.
"There are eight teams playing at the same time," Macdonald said. "The tournament is very gruelling physically, mentally and emotionally. There is a lot of work to do even when you're not playing and off the court. You're either getting something for a teammate or cheering them on.
"But we're a tough spirited, feisty and classy team. We can't win every time, but we can put forth the effort. If the spirit and enthusiasm are there, it would take a hell of a team to beat us."
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