The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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72 ■ THE WOLFPACKER expectations," Olsen said. "Sometimes it's a challenge to have a whole bunch of suc- cess — just like it is when things aren't going so well — and she's dealing with it. The biggest thing she is probably working on right now is maturing as a leader, as a person and as a tennis player." Kissell had 54 career singles victories as of Feb. 24, which was just five shy of tying the school's all-time mark. Olsen said she has done a great job of staying focused on improving by the day, instead of looking at her standing in the record books — which falls in line with his philosophy for the entire squad. "Joelle hasn't said it, but I'm sure she would like to be the all-time winningest player at NC State," he said. "If she gets there, it will be an amazing accomplish- ment for her, and we will all be so enthusi- astic about that." Kissell is complemented at the top of the lineup by sophomore Rachel James-Baker, who has provided a steady presence at No. 2 singles despite her youth. The Planta- tion, Fla., native finished third on the squad with 17 singles victories last season and has posted a 5-2 mark in duals this spring. "She has been a tremendous student of the game," Olsen noted. "She just really enjoys getting into the details of how she can improve. She's improving every two or three days." Kissell's co-captain, junior Nicole Mar- tinez, has also given the team quite a boost and is also a vocal leader. The native of Ecuador moved up and down the lineup last season, but has settled in at No. 3 singles this spring. "She was down three match points [against Syracuse] — she's been in that situation several times in her career — and she was tremendous," Olsen recalled. "That was great leadership, and she's been that way with the team during the season — just getting in front of them and talking about things she wanted to see. "She really couldn't have been more genuine about saying what she said to the team, but a really important part of being a leader is that you don't just say things. She followed up in a pressure situation, which was really important; she walked the walk." Martinez has also been a crucial part of the No. 1 doubles tandem with classmate Elisha Hande; they lead the squad with nine doubles victories so far. Rookie Liza Fieldsend has also been a pleasant sur- prise for the squad — she actually leads the way with nine overall singles wins this spring, including a 4-2 mark in duals at No. 4 singles, in addition to contributing to a team-best 12 doubles victories. "We have a tradition of getting better as the season goes, and that's a great tradition to have," Olsen said. "I'm looking forward to what goals we're able to realize from one week to another, but it's one match at a time for us." ■ Key Players To Watch Senior Joelle Kissell The four-year standout has been a presence in the lineup since stepping onto campus, and she has served as the No. 1 singles player in each of the last three years. Head coach Hans Olsen said that Kissell has not only improved as a tennis player — on both the singles and doubles court — but also as an athlete and leader. She is undoubtedly one of the top players in program history. Sophomore Rachel James-Baker The Floridian started 5-2 at No. 2 singles — only rookie Liza Fieldsend has more singles wins this spring — and she has also played a role in seven doubles victories as of Feb. 24. Junior Nicole Martinez The co-captain, alongside Kissell, has provided a boost in the leadership department, in ad - dition to her play on the court. She had a 5-1 mark at No. 3 singles and has been one of the team's winningest doubles players over the last three campaigns. She ranked third on the team with nine doubles wins through Feb. 24. Sophomore Rachel James-Baker has been a steady presence at the top of the lineup, posting a 5-2 mark at No. 2 singles while also playing a role in seven doubles victories through Feb. 24. PHOTO BY LARRY BLANKENSHIP ■ By The Numbers 3 Senior Joelle Kissell is vying to become the first player in program history to earn All-ACC honors three times. She could also become the first to play in a trio of NCAA Singles Championships. 15 Doubles wins this spring for the Pack, com- pared to just four losses as of Feb. 24. 54 Career victories in spring singles play for Kis- sell as of Feb. 24, which was just five short of tying the current NCSU record set by Jenny Sell in 1992. ■ Key Dates To Watch Florida State, March 22, Raleigh — The Pack kicks off a three-match home stand by hosting Florida State, which was ranked No. 30 in the country heading into the final week of February. No. 47 Virginia Tech comes to Raleigh the next day, and the set is completed with an in-state showdown against No. 50 Wake Forest March 28. Virginia, April 12, Raleigh — The Pack hosts nationally ranked ACC foes on back-to-back days starting with the April 12 contest against the Cavaliers, who are usually among the nation's best. State welcomes Notre Dame, which was ranked No. 22 as of Feb. 24, the following day. ACC Championships, April 24-27, Cary, N.C. — Seven of the top 25 squads in the ITA rankings as of Feb. 24 called the ACC home, so the Pack will have its work cut out. However, there aren't many better ways to prepare for NCAA Championships than playing against the best competition. 70,72.Women's Tennis.indd 72 2/25/14 3:13 PM