By: Ava-Caroline Schmidt
The double tennis matches have started on Southern Adventist University’s campus, with several
different divisions available for students during this intramural season.
The leagues include women’s doubles with one division, men’s A league with one division,
men’s B league with two divisions and mixed doubles with one A league having one division
and two divisions for B leagues.
Games have already started with the majority being scheduled on Sundays and
Mondays; however, not every game needs to be played on the date it is scheduled.
According to the guidelines for double and single tennis intramurals for Southern, the matches
are scheduled for the week, but the games themselves don’t necessarily have to be played on the
specific day. For example, if a match is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, both teams have until
Saturday night, Sept. 19, to play the match. Therefore, it is very important that if a player wants
to reschedule the match, they must communicate not only with their teammate (if they have one)
and their opponent, but with the intramurals program as well.
In this sport, communication is key; off and on the court, especially regarding doubles
where players communicating is essential for the game to go smoothly. Other aspects, such
as choosing tennis balls, switching sides, positions, calling for the ball, and covering
one another, will affect the outcome of the game’s results.
Becca O’Dell, a senior business administration major, who has been playing tennis for about a
year and a half, remarked that she enjoys playing singles over doubles and said that “doubles are
harder, because I have to depend on somebody else. I like depending on myself.”
O’Dell also pointed out that, from her observation, there are more mixed doubles this year than
singles, which was the case last year as well. Factors contributing to this could be that people
overall feel more confident and reassured with a partner. It also requires less
running and provides more room for players as opposed to a singles court match.
O’Dell finished by adding that she likes playing with people who are more laid
back, focusing more on playing for the fun of the game instead of
just developing skill sets. Playing with fellow students and friends with this mindset makes the
game more relaxed and enjoyable.
Laura Prado, a junior biology major who has been playing tennis on and off for about three
years, said that although doubles are harder, they seem to be more fun because singles require a
lot more running, and there is only one player covering the court.
Matches are set to proceed throughout September, October and November. Tennis
intramurals have something for everyone, whether someone prefers working solo over having a
teammate, or is more passionate about the sport and competition than another.
Regardless, tennis is yet another way to play with friends, enhance your skills – no matter what
level – and enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns chilly.
