With their home opener on Saturday, Feb. 1, the Biola Women’s tennis team is back in full swing. Last season, the team placed 5th in the PacWest conference and started this season strong, as they are currently undefeated. This season, the girls are emphasizing their team culture and trying to work together internally. 

Senior psychology major Alexandria Mann wants to make known who they are playing for. 

“We know who we’re competing for. So we aren’t just wanting to win,” said Mann. “Our priority is to make God known, and I think that kind of just takes the pressure off. We use what we’ve been blessed with, what we’ve been given, to make God known today.”

THE GAME 

The team is still working on the doubles pairings for the season and trying to figure out what does and doesn’t work. The doubles pairings are based on the game styles. If one of the players is forehand dominant, the partners should be backhand dominant. 

Sophomore health sciences major Alexis Romano expresses how the same goes for game style; if a player is more defensive, the partner should be more offensive. 

“I would say doubles has been something we just need to keep feeling out, especially during practice and especially in matches,” said Romano. 

During practices, the coaches emphasize doubles drills. The drills consist of closing up on the net, and the coaches emphasize closing the net to close the point out.  

“I think through time and consistency with those drills, we’re gonna exceed in doubles,” said Romano. 

For singles drills, the team does side-to-side drills and conditioning.

The reason why team captain Mann emphasizes their culture is because the love the team has off the court influences their game on the court, especially with doubles. Tennis is seen as an individual sport and these women play for God’s glory.

LOOK OUT 

Heading into the 2025 season, the women focus on playing doubles and winning double points during their matches. 

Sophomore communication major Kailee Mazzeo is one to watch this season. She alternates between singles and doubles. She recently beat the number four at Cal State LA, ranking her in the top five. 

“She’s definitely in it, and I feel like she’s gonna have a really great season if she keeps that up,” said Romano. 

Sophomore business administration major Isa Chavarria is another player to look out for. Last season, she played a very defensive game. 

“She’s really stepped it up this year and is playing at one of our top lines, and that’s just because of the hard work that she’s put in,” said Mann. “I’d say, you know, she’s going to get a lot of really great wins this season. So just look out for her.” 

Chavarria is one of those players who will do anything and everything it takes to get a win for the team and the more she plays this season, the better her overall game will become. 

“Honestly, everyone on the team brings so much with their talent and their strength and everything with tennis,” said Romano.  

TEAM CULTURE 

With a small roster of nine girls — including three freshmen and one transfer student — the team wants to improve their overall team culture. Through respect and team bonding, they work together to ensure their goals are aligned. The team genuinely cares for one another and picks a girl up when they are down. 

“It’s incredible just to see these girls caring for each other on and off the court,” said Mann. 

Mann expressed how everyone adds value to the team, but what sets the team apart from other opponents is their selfless game approach. This team is intentional in their actions on and off the court. The women look to each other for guidance and see their teammates as inspiration. 

“We’re all very focused on selflessness and encouragement this year and I think it’s making a huge difference, especially transitioning from the fall into the beginning of the season,” said Mann. 

Romano describes team chemistry as charismatic and encouraging. 

“Everyone on the team just brings so much, like their talent and strength and everything with tennis,” said Romano. 

With a selfless team culture driven by love and a mix of new faces and veteran talent, the Eagles Tennis team is looking to have a strong season.