LEWISTON, Maine -- Idle from competition since closing the fall season last Sept. 22, Bates College women's tennis has been anything but stagnant the last five months as the Bobcats prepare to commence the 2024 spring championship calendar Wednesday (3:30 p.m.) in Winter Park, Fla. vs. Rollins College.

The team came in ready," said head coach Paul Gastonguay '89. "They are really invested, getting after the weights, and playing tennis every day. We had the luxury of starting practice on Feb. 5 this year, so I feel we are more prepared for this trip (Florida) than we ever have been. It is so important to get these reps, and to get acclimated to the weather, before we get back home and outdoors (hopefully) in late March/early April".

With Joanna Atwater graduating last spring, the Bobcats' top doubles duo of she and senior Ally Friedman (East Hampton, N.Y.) is no more. However, Friedman and first-year Iris Westmoreland (New Orleans, La.) have developed a partnership on the court, one that will make its debut in the No. 1 slot Wednesday vs. Rollins. 

"We have a really strong first-year class," said Gastonguay. They (Friedman and Westmoreland) play really well together and each have a strong aptitude for doubles play, they make a very exciting pairing."

Expect to see Friedman to again see a majority of the reps at No. 1 singles as the senior went 10-11 overall a year ago. 

Look for sophomore Isabella Saul (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and first-year Julia Anderson (Chevy Chase, Md.) to join forces in doubles play. "Bella has been playing some really amazing doubles. We are going try her out with Julia. Both are extremely athletic."

Liv Gidlow (Shaker Heights, Ohio), a junior who missed the fall slate while studying abroad, is also expected to make an impact at doubles. "Liv is an amazing doubles player," said Gastonguay. "I see it every day, her hands are incredible."

Fellow junior Lizzie Frekko (Lake Forest, Ill.), who is also back from a semester abroad, will see action both in singles and doubles play. "Lizzie is an impact player for singles, and her doubles game keeps getting better and stronger."

Coach Gastonguay also likes what he sees from sophomore Ava Lyon (Naples Fla.). "Ava has been playing outstanding tennis. I feel her game is more suited for playing outside, where she can grind out there and play the long points. She's worked really hard at her transition game and finishing at the net. We have a really good, athletic squad this year. I'm really excited for it."

The garnet and white debuts a pair of new team captains this season as Friedman and junior Drew Williams (Guilford, Conn.) look to provide invaluable leadership to a roster that consists of a quartet of first-year members. 

"Ally and Drew really work well together," said Gastonguay. "Ally has been a leader since day one, she's been one of our top players, in both singles and doubles, her whole career. They both set a great example. They compete well and they really have the team culture in rock-solid condition. Every year the team gets stronger, Ally and Drew have done a great job getting this group ready."

Overall, all of the returners have served as a positive influence to the new corps of talent. "They are so willing to help the younger players, and show them how to transition into this elite conference (NESCAC), where we play tough matches day in and day out. That takes a special type of discipline, which is something this group shows every day on and off the court." 

"It is really fun to have a group of new, young, enthusiastic athletes, who are being molded by some of the best athletes and people I've ever been around.The opportunities are there for each and every one of them."