For a tennis doubles team to be successful there needs to be communication and trust between the two teammates. The process of getting to know each other can be just as challenging as making a play on the court. The process hasn’t been quite as challenging for College of Saint Benedict sophomores
Megan Seipel (New London, Minn./ New London-Spicer) and
Lauren Jones (Ogden, Utah/ Saint Joseph Catholic). Not only are they teammates on the CSB tennis team, but they are also roommates this fall.
“Coming into the season, we had no idea that we would be playing as doubles partners.” Jones, a two-time state singles champion at Saint Joseph High School, continued, “It was a great surprise to learn that we were going to have a chance to play together. Playing doubles is always fun, but being able to play alongside one of your best friends makes it that much better.”
Seipel, a fourth place finisher in the 2007 Minnesota State High School League tennis doubles state tournament, sees only positive things about playing with her roommate. “This is a great opportunity for us because we are so familiar with each other’s playing styles. Also, we are very comfortable communicating with each other, which is crucial in a team sport.”
Jones and Seipel got their first shot at competing together at the Fall Invite held at Saint Peter, Minn., on Sept. 25. The pair had a good tournament, winning matches against Hamline 9-4, Gustavus 9-8 (7-3), and Wisconsin-Lacrosse 8-1. They were eventually eliminated from the tournament in the semi-final round by Wisconsin-Whitewater 8-5.
Jones reflected on the Invite. “I feel like we played really well, especially considering it was the first tournament of the season. There is no doubt that we still have a long ways to go to get to where we want to be, but I think it was an encouraging start.”
Seipel shared similar thoughts. “It feels good to get that first competition out of the way. I think we can really build on the success that we had down in Saint Peter. It was exciting to go there (Saint Peter) and get some wins against quality opponents.”
Moving forward, the pair's goal is simple: compete with the top teams in the conference. “We feel there is no reason that we can’t beat the best teams in the MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference).” Jones went on to say, “We are going to make it a point to work as hard as we can day in and day out, and see what happens from there.”
The doubles team will get a chance to rest up, before the spring season starts up in mid January. The spring season is where this pair will really find out how far they will go.
Seipel is excited for the next challenge. “We’re looking forward facing new competition and getting better with each match. With each new match comes new challenges, and being able to handle them is what college sports is all about.”