Upcoming Event: Men's Tennis versus #19 University of Southern California on May 1, 2026 at 2 p.m.
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2 p.m.
Men's Tennis
vs #19 University of Southern California
Tory Zawacki Women's Tennis Diary Entry
April 19, 2005
This season hasn't been the easiest for our team- we have gone through some pretty tough matches lately, especially in the ACC. But this weekend on the road I realized that our less than perfect season has only made us stronger, and has brought us closer together.
After our losses to Miami, Wake Forest, and Maryland, it was hard to pick ourselves back up and get motivated for our next ACC match, playing at Georgia Tech, but its something that we have all learned to do-- from our junior careers and even in our experiences here at Duke.
The trip down to Atlanta was much more fun than our road trips usually are. This time we took a huge bus, which more than fully accommodated the nine of us, plus our two coaches. During the five-hour drive we were able to spread out and either do our homework, nap, or, like Jackie, Lauren and I, watch countless episodes of "Family Guy", thanks to the DVD player provided for us on the bus. (Jamie and Adam, our coaches, not amused with our selection, sat in the back of the bus and watched their own movie on Jamie's laptop.)
Once we arrived in Atlanta, we went to the courts on campus to practice and get used to the surroundings. My favorite part about traveling is seeing the other schools and comparing them to Duke, especially the tennis facilities. Georgia Tech is a really nice school that's located in pretty much the center of Atlanta, but to me, I would take the peacefulness and beauty of our Gothic Wonderland any day. Going on the road really makes me appreciate our school and how lucky I `am to be a part of it.
The next day we battled the Yellow Jackets. Our doubles went very well, better than it has been lately. Kristin and Jackie dominated at first doubles, winning 8-6 but Saras and Parker at number 3 lost a tough match, also 8-6. That left it up to Clelia and I and the number two spot, and we had three match points but we couldn't close out our match!! We lost 9-8, giving the doubles point away to Tech. It was frustrating to lose the doubles point, but I think all of us definitely have improved on our doubles play.
In singles, I played a pretty good match and won, 6-3, 6-4. Kristin followed, feeling pretty comfortable playing in her hometown and won in three sets. By time Clelia won her singles, I realized the match was tied at 3-3, Parker being the only match left. Standing in a row on the side of the court, we all linked arms and held our breath on Parker's match point- she had won, and that clinched the match.
Beating Tech was a really great feeling because we proved to ourselves that despite the injuries and the losses, we can still be strong enough as a team to believe in ourselves and each other, and pull out matches.
After the match we did our usual stretch and came together for a huddle. Instead of the usual "GO DUKE!", on the count of three we cheered, "WE ARE BACK!", our unofficial team motto for the moment. (Fans of the movie "Old School" would appreciate this.)
Next up is the ACC Tournament in Cary, NC, and we'll be looking to avenge our losses from the past few weeks. I think those losses, although painful, shaped us into who we are as a team, and because of that, we can go even farther together. Wish us luck! GO DUKE! WE ARE BACK!!!
