By Lindsey Boyd
Everybody handles nerves differently.
Diane Flament bites her nails, Gaelle Rey fidgets with her ponytail and Miyo Kobayashi anxiously giggles.
For the rest of the team, serious eyes glared into the projection screen anticipating the name “San Jose State” to be seated on the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Championship bracket.
“We are most likely going to be a No. 3 seed… and play at either Cal or Stanford,” said head coach Skorupka as he predicted his team’s placement. “I personally want to stay local. Gets some more fans up there.”
The team sat attentively as the names of teams were read. When UCLA’s name was read, ears shot up and breaths were held—false alarm. UCLA would be playing UC Santa Barbara… not SJSU.
The team would have to continue to wait.
Next announced—the California Golden Bears.
The Spartans put the cake they were eating down to glance and smiled at each other, knowing this was the moment.
“Making it’s second appearance in the NCAA Championship and meeting Cal in the first round is San Jose State,” said the NCAA announcer.
Hands flew into the air and a round of loud claps filled the room. “Upset Berkeley” was immediately deemed the new motto.
“I’m not scared because we are San Jose State,” said Marie Klocker of playing the Nor-Cal rival. “They are just Cal. Same colors just different school but I’m sure it’s going to be a great battle.”
The last time SJSU faced Cal, it had beat them in doubles. Cal has beaten nine nationally ranked teams and finished second in the Pac 12 with a 17-5 record since then.
“For singles, I know it’s going to be hard but if I keep my focus then you never know,” Rey said.
Skorupka is also looking forward to the local match up. He was surprised to hear that SJSU was going to Berkeley but is glad to hear that the match is close to home.
“We are familiar with Berkeley,” Skorupka said. “We have played them many times in their fall tournament and we are familiar with their players also.”
Overall, the team knows what to expect against Berkeley and how to practice. SJSU is “feisty” and ready to take on the Bears at the Hellman Tennis Complex Saturday, May 13 at 12 p.m.
