Women's Tennis
*NCAA Sweet
Sixteen*: 2006,
2007
*NCAA Regionals*: 2001, 2002, 2003,
2004, 2005
About the Program
The women's tennis program at
Bowdoin College was instituted in 1973, and has
flourished into one of the strongest programs in New
England. Over the past handful of seasons, Bowdoin has
been a constant in postseason play, competing well in
NESCAC Tournament play as well as in NCAA Tournaments.
In recent seasons, the Polar Bears have also played
host to the NESCAC and ITA Regional Championships.
Bowdoin plays a full schedule of matches in both the
fall and spring season, setting the stage for
postseason tournaments in May.
2007-08 Recap
Under first year head coach Paul
"Hobie" Holbach the Bowdoin women had one of the
program's finest seasons. The Polar Bears ended the
season ranked #8 in the nation, their highest finish
ever in school history. They began the season ranked
#26. The fall season consisted of mostly individual
tournaments where Kristen Raymond stepped up and won
the ITA's at the #1 singles spot. This was the
beginning of a very successful season for the senior
Co-captain. Sarah D'Elia, the other co-Captain studied
abroad in Spain for the fall season.
After losing their #3 and #4 players to graduation the Polar Bears began the season with some trials and battles. Coach Hobie scheduled a difficult spring trip in California where the Polar Bears competed quite well. Playing these tough matches helped players gain experience. Freshmen Kaitlin Raymond and Stephanie Langer both helped fill the void of the loss of two seniors. Kaitlin began the season as a #6 player and ended the season playing #3. Charlotte Hitch suffered a season ending stress fracture which cut the team down to only 7 players. This made it difficult to substitute players and the Bears just prayed for no more injuries. Early season losses to both Middlebury 5-4 and Amherst 5-4 did not deter the Bears but only convinced them that they could beat the highly ranked national teams. Despite having 7 losses Coach Hobie knew the Bears were toughened up and ready to beat the best. At NESCAC's Bowdoin knocked off Middlebury 5-4. Rachel Waldman won the deciding match 6-0 in the 3rd at the #5 singles spot to clinch the match. Sarah D'Elia also avenged an earlier season loss at the #2 singles spot. Heading into the NCAA's, the Polar Bears swept Vassar and then knocked off the #2 ranked Amherst squad 5-4. Kristen Raymond won the deciding match 7-6 in the 3rd set to send the Bears to Minnesota and the NCAA Quarterfinals.
In Minnesota the Bears lost 5-3 to Pomona-Pitzer to end their season ranked #8 in the country. At the NCAA Individuals Kristen Raymond capped off the finest season ever for a Bowdoin player by finishing #4 in the country and becoming Bowdoin's first singles All-American. Kristen graduated with a 27-6 singles record. Sarah D'Elia ended the season ranked #35.
Facilities
The Polar Bears can boast some of the best facilities
in New England, offering a plethora of indoor and
outdoor options. Bowdoin has hosted numerous NCAA,
NESCAC and ITA events at their host sites; indoor at
Farley Field House or the Maine Pines Indoor Racquet
Center. Outside, Bowdoin has several state-of-the-art
outdoor hardcourts, offering ample space for matches
and spectators.
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