The women's tennis team's mid-morning match Saturday at Simmons College was sealed before the doubles teams walked onto the court as Brandeis took care of business with a 7-2 win in the season opener. A shutout in singles competition ensured the victory despite some late struggles by the Judges' doubles teams.Jen Krueger '07 earned her first win of the season in a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory in the No. 1 singles spot. Team captain Shani Reich '06 was also solid at the No. 3 singles spot, recovering from a 6-7 loss in the first set to take the next two, 6-0, 6-1.

Reich said that hesitant play and thinking about the win rather than the point at hand is what put her behind in the first set. A chance to regroup and a few quick words from new head coach Ben Lamanna set her cruising through the last two.

"[Lamanna] basically said, 'Are you done playing your hesitant set? Now let's go win the last two,' " Reich said.

Christine Clancy '06, one of the team's most aggressive players, dominated the No. 6 singles match. She pulled a shutout against Simmons junior player Mae Ercolani, 6-2, 6-0.

"Christine is a rock," Lamanna said. "She loves to attack the net, and she is the hardest worker on the team."

Gabrielle Helfgott '09 of Newton surprised her teammates with a strong match to begin her collegiate career with a 7-6, 6-4 win.

Rounding out the singles competition, Colleen Donnelly '08 and Ana Katz '08 finished with wins at No. 2 and No. 5 respectively. Donnelly won in back-to-back 6-1 sets while Katz won 6-1, 6-4.

Krueger and Donnelly saw their names at the top of the lineup once again taking their place as the No. 1 doubles team. Both players repeated their dominance from earlier to grab a convincing 8-1 victory.

"They did not give their opponents a chance," Lamanna said.

The following doubles teams of Reich/Helfgott and Katz/Clancy ended in victories for Simmons.

Lamanna acknowledged the difficulty he has had trying to put together doubles teams during the rush of the new academic year. He also said that competition within the team would help shore up the weaker doubles spots.

"The doubles lineup is not set in stone," Lamanna said. "I'm looking for those on the bench to step up."

In her first time being teamed with Helfgott in doubles, Reich says that she feels their teamwork has improved already.

"It just takes time to figure out how to play with your partner," said Reich.

Lamanna said that the team's camaraderie and enthusiasm will play a significant role as the season rolls on.

"I think this women's team is a very close-knit group of leaders," Lamanna said. "We will have a very successful season because of this."

The women's next match is at Bentley on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.