JESSICA LABARTE (HS3) runs down a forehand baseline shot during the Drake Fall Invitational that took place this weekend at the Roger T. Knapp Tennis Center. Photo: Sarah Andrews

The Roger T. Knapp Tennis Center almost seems like an impregnable medieval fortress. Many have tried to overthrow the Drake women’s tennis team that rules over it, but most return home in winless fashion. Last year in the Knapp, the team was almost unstoppable, compiling a 6-1 home record.

The Drake Fall Invitational Tournament kicked off this weekend for the bulldogs’ first chance to defend the Big Blue House.

The Bulldogs jumped into the first day and walked away unscathed with a 13-0 combined singles and doubles record. It was a solid start to a fulfilling weekend.

Despite the record, Head Coach Urska Juric felt the Bulldogs were anxious to get on the court and play.

“There’s just something about that first tennis match and first tournament; you’ll always be a little nervous,” Juric said. “But the key to getting where we want to be is playing more matches.”

Defending the home turf for the first tournament really gave the team a sense of pride and comfort regarding the rest of their season. The second day came with great expectation following a staggeringly successful first day.

The team didn’t disappoint the second day, adding two titles to their collective score. Earlynn Lauer (AS2) won the singles C-flight beating Ellie Nixon of Iowa State. The B-flight doubles was also kept in the Bulldog family with a strong showing from Ali Patterson (AS1) and Amanda Aragon (B2).

This was Patterson’s first college tournament and she didn’t want to disappoint. Patterson wanted to come out of the gates with guns blazing and did so throughout the first two days.

“I think it’s all about confidence, just confidence in yourself and that your team is behind you,” Patterson said.

The third day culminated with a second consecutive A-flight doubles win for Gabby Demos (B2). This is the second year in a row she has won it, last year with Aragon and this year with Slovenian exchange student Manca Krizman (AS1).

For the Bulldogs, there was no better way to kick off the season with a solid showing, defending the team’s home courts at the tennis center. Juric said she was satisfied with the team’s opening tournament, and sees it as a solid foundation for the year ahead.

“We were solid for the first tournament, but we still have work to do,” Juric said.