Total domination

The Hurricane women’s tennis team took care of business against Drake University on Thursday night in convincing fashion.
In fact, the match couldn’t have been any more routine for 18th ranked Miami, who rolled past the visiting Bulldogs 7-0 in under two hours of play. The victory improves Miami’s record to 11-3.
Miami sophomore Megan Bradley made short work of Cindy Skogerboe in the second singles match as she coasted to a 6-1, 6-2 victory.
“After our loss to Washington, we were all looking to improve and try and see what areas we need to concentrate on. I think the past two matches we have buckled down and tried to do that,” Bradley said.
Since the loss in Seattle, UM has posted two shutouts in as many matches. Before Drake, the ‘Canes beat the University of Portland 7-0.
Head Coach Paige Yaroshuk is not surprised by the last two victories.
“[With] a Portland and a Drake we expect to cruise through the matches,” Yaroshuk said.
Bradley also did some damage in doubles play as she teamed up with Melissa Applebaum to beat Drake’s Annali de Bruyn and Rebekah Thomas, 8-1.
Applebaum faced de Bruyn moments later in the first singles match. The match had a similar outcome with Applebaum recording a 6-3, 6-0 win.
In the other two doubles matches, the duos of Mari Toro and Sara Robbins, as well as Igna deVilliers and Abby Smith, posted victories for the ‘Canes.
Bradley couldn’t point to just one leader who has guided the Hurricanes since the loss to Washington.
“Everyone has been pretty much doing their part. Everyone has been winning their matches so in terms of leadership; it’s basically everyone just trying to step up individually,” Bradley said.
The next two weeks will provide an exciting, intense level of tennis for Miami. Yaroshuk will take her squad to play five matches in the state of Virginia over the next two weekends. The ‘Canes will receive their opportunity to face No. 16 Virginia Commonwealth University on March 29 and No. 13 College of William and Mary on April 6.
“What we are shooting to do is get the girls to play this relaxed when we see VCU and William and Mary in a couple weeks because they’re just stepping out onto the court now and they’re just playing relaxed tennis. They’ve got to do that in a pressure situation,” Yaroshuk said.
If Miami can post wins in Virginia, its Intercollegiate Tennis Association ranking will likely rise. In women’s collegiate tennis, the top 16 teams in the country host the NCAA regional tournaments.
“William and Mary and VCU are ahead of us so each one of those teams are going to pose a great opportunity and we need to keep the teams that are behind us, behind us,” Yaroshuk said.
Miami will resume its quest for the sweet sixteen of women’s college tennis on Saturday, March 29 against Virginia Commonwealth in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Ben Wolf can be reached at b.wolf@umiami.edu.