The Brandeis women's tennis team placed third in the UAA conference tournament at Washington University, defeating the fourth-seeded New York University Purple Violets in the match for third place after loosing to number two seed Washington University in an earlier match. It was the Brandeis women's best UAA finish in a decade."The tournament was a great success this year as our performance has continued to improve with each match," CaptainVera Chen '03 said.

Chen was most impressed by the Judges' intensity and execution. "As I watched our team members fight through each match and emerge victoriously either in spirit or winning, I was very proud of the way we functioned as a team," she said. "Every member of the team fought with all their heart and put every amount of effort into contributing to the team's success."

Chen said she believes that without the team unity and tremendous support that was so clearly evident throughout the tournament, there is a possibility that the team might not have pulled through that last early-morning match against a dangerous NYU squad.

"Playing three days in a row against extremely competitive teams can really put stress on your body, because there are no opponents who will let you get away with easy wins," Chan said.

Shani Reich '06, who played fourth singles and second doubles, said that the tournament was a great experience for her. "I really felt a great connection with all the girls," remarked the first-year, "When we played WashU. in doubles we came really close to winning and it was just another match that demonstrates how close we are to top ranked teams."

Reich, who found herself down a set in the match, was inspired by Chen's determination.

"I saw how focused she was, and realized this is her last match and I really think it would be great if we could finish third for her," Reich said.

Reich came back to win the second set. Chen had already finished her match when Reich was starting the third. "Chen stayed the whole time to cheer me on and give me words of encouragement. She really helped," Reich added. Reich won the match 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.

"We all had to dig deep for this match," Reich said. "It was worth it because in the end we were victorious."

In the NYU match, second singles player Abby Lerner'05, Shani Reich (fourth singles) and Katie Albert (sixth) all went to three sets, never showing signs of a letdown.

Ora Wexler '04 talked about Lerner's win that clinched the match against NYU.

"I think that this past weekend proved that we can compete with the top teams in the UAA," Wexler said. "With a little more experience in playing against the best schools, then we should be able to contend more when the matches get close.