Senior captain Sarah Hollis tosses the ball high, jumps up and leans into her shot, meeting the ball at its highest point. She smashes a winner off of her serve to go up 15–0 in the game. Fellow senior captain Devra Reiman gives Hollis a high five as they get back into position.

For the first time in their careers, Hollis and Reiman have teamed up at doubles. The duo has posted a 5–0 record, which includes winning the championship in their doubles bracket at the Mary Hosking tournament.

On their careers, Hollis is 14–4 at doubles and Reiman is 19–9.

“Since freshman year we have come a long way, and now we really understand what it’s all about,” Hollis said.

Hollis was named Empire 8 Player of the Week for her outstanding play during the Mary Hosking tournament at William Smith College, going 2–1 in singles play. Hollis and Reiman teamed up to win three straight matches and claimed the B bracket in the doubles competition.

During the tournament the Bombers won 8–4 against New York University, 8–6 against William Smith and 8–4 against the University of Rochester in the finals.

“They are both really smart players — they don’t play like any other players,” freshman Christina Nunez said. “They are out there to do their best every time. They always give 100 percent.”

So far this season, Hollis and Reiman have been playing third doubles. In the regular season, they beat both Elmira College and SUNY-Cortland 8–3 on their home courts. With a win over Hartwick College on Sept. 17, the Bombers improved to 2–0 against Empire 8 teams this year.

“The strength of our team has always been depth, and having them at third doubles makes you feel pretty good,” Head Coach Bill Austin said.

Reiman said a big advantage of being such an experienced team is that the players don’t get nervous — they get better as a team with each game and practice.

“They know from experience and watching other players what to do in certain situations,” Nunez said.

Hollis’ serve is empowering against her opponents. She also angles her shots at net. Reiman places the ball around the court and pinpoints her shots. Reiman’s ability to mix up her topspin forehand and her slice make the pair tough to stop.

“They make good returns — they’re not making a whole lot of mistakes, and they’re playing more solid points,” Austin said.

What makes the pair so dominant is not just their experience, but also their communication on and off the court, Hollis said.

Nunez said Hollis and Reiman are hardworking as both players and as captains.  

“We always talk about things we could do better,” Hollis said. “It’s a communication thing. That really helps us.”

Hollis and Reiman’s chemistry is directly tied to their success. To complement their skilled footwork, both players are smart about where they hit the ball, always talking about the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents between points and breaks.

“We know each others’ strengths,” Reiman said. “We just communicate and work together really well. We motivate each other really well, and that’s important.”

Box Score - ITA Northeast Regional Championships

Day 1 - 9/25/2009

SINGLES MATCHES

FIrst Round
Cristina Nunez (IC) def. Jackie Martinez (NAZ) 6-1, 6-1
Agata Kubik (IC) def. Steph Dicapua (CORT) 6-4, 6-1
Melanie Cohen (IC) def. Steph Schara (NP) 6-2, 7-6 (7-3)
Casey Kennedy (WS) def. Sarah Hollis (IC) 6-3, 6-0
Frances Tseng (UR) def. Devra Reiman (IC) 6-0, 6-3

Second Round
Cristina Nunez def. Michele Gbelama (DREW) 6-1, 6-1
Lia Weiner (UR) def. Melanie Cohen (IC) 6-0, 6-0
Amanda Berg (RIT) def. Agata Kubik (IC) 6-0, 6-3

Consolation Bracket
Christie Pollin (TCNJ) def. Sarah Hollis (IC) 8-0
Devra Reiman (IC) def. Laura Hale (SJF) 8-3

DOUBLES MATCHES

First Round
Cristina Nunez/Agata Kubik (IC) def. Way/Martinez (NAZ) 8-4
Melissa Nunez/Melanie Cohen (IC) def. Gray/Fitzgerald (SAGE) 8-6

Second Round
Cristina Nunez/Agata Kubik (IC) def. Schara/Garyn (NP) 8-3
Attley/Fancher def. Melanie Cohen/Melissa Nunez (IC) 8-5

Day 2 - 9/26/2009

SINGLES MATCHES

Round of 16
Cristina Nunez (IC) def. Liz Feldman (NYU) 6-0, 6-0

Quarterfinals
Jackie Shtemberg (TCNJ) def. Cristina Nunez (IC) 7-6 (7-5), 6-1

Consolation Bracket
Brittany Trimble(SKID) def. Devra Reiman (IC) 8-3

DOUBLES MATCHES

Quarterfinals
Nataly Mendoza/Danika Robison (SKID) def. Cristina Nunez/Agata Kubik (IC) 9-7