When many think of a tennis match, they picture high-brow spectators,
sitting motionless with hands folded. Back and forth, back and forth,
somehow only their stoic eyes follow the speeding yellow ball. And, as the
seemingly apathetic crowd watches the rhythmic battle, the only sign of
life comes from the faint grunts of the players.
Fortunately, this scenario does not hold true for the Lady Vol tennis team.
Though the traditions remain, spirit, excitement and intense action emanate
from the courts of Tennessee. Setting the pace for the Lady Vols is the
dynamic doubles team of Manisha Malhotra and Margie Lepsi. The pair, both
All-Americans, have recently gained a No. 8 national ranking for their
impressive play.
“They are the best they have ever been,” co-head coach Sonia Hahn-Patrick
said. “They have proved to themselves and everyone else that they are
contenders for the NCAA Championship.”
Malhotra and Lepsi have been dominating the courts since they joined forces
their freshman year. Now the senior swingers have built an impressive 22-5
record for the 1997-1998 season as they play out the final chapter of their
collegiate careers.
Malhotra, who came to Tennessee from Bombay, India, credits experience for
the duo’s success.
“We have been playing together for four years. I know every shot she will
hit before she hits it and she knows mine.”
This instinctual play shines through as the two move strategically around
the court, defending their well-deserved reputation. Doubles, a much
quicker paced event than singles, requires far more strategy than
spectators might expect.
“We must know where to be on the court and where to place our shots,” said
Lepsi, a native of Willow Springs, Ill. “We find the opponents’ weakness
and use it to our advantage.”
Though tennis may appear to be a simple game, the extensive knowledge,
strategy and mental training that it entails makes success a complex
process. It is the mastery of these skills that has propelled Malhotra and
Lepsi to the top of their game.
With two bodies cutting across the court intensely and aggressively, timing
and communication are vital.
“Sure there are times when we both go for the ball and our rackets clank,”
Malhotra said.
But, as the pair matures on the court, the accidents occur less and their
record improves. Through shouts of “yours” and “mine,” the girls are able
to divide and conquer.
“Communication is key,” Lepsi said. “We always try to talk before our
matches to make sure our heads are clear and we’re on the same page.”
When the two do mesh, it is obvious, as they become an unstoppable double
threat. Though they have contrasting styles and personalities, they
complement each other in creating a winning combination on the court.
“When we are both on its ridiculous — everything flows,” Malhotra said.
“But that doesn’t happen often, so we learn to win when we are not playing
our best.”
And so the pair adapts to each others’ good days and bad and help each
other to victory. Sharing the pressure and the joy, Malhotra and Lepsi have
set a precedent for success.
“There is something greater that you play for,” Malhotra said. “You have to
put your fears aside because the joy of winning is so much greater than
yourself.”
Malhotra, who is ranked 17th, and Lepsi are both intense competitors in
singles play as well. Though they are two of the nation’s best, the pair
continues to enjoy themselves on the court.
“My goals are to make it to NCAAs for both singles and doubles,” Lepsi
said. “But, as a senior, I am just trying to have fun.”
Their enjoyment is evident as they combine experience and instinct to crush
their opponents. As this phenomenal pair of athletes end their collegiate
reign, there is no doubt they will leave their mark at Tennessee.
“We will be sad to see them leave,” Hahn-Patrick said. “We can only hope
that the others follow in their footsteps.”
Leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence, Malhotra will join the
professional circuit in hopes of continuing her unprecedented success on
the court. Lepsi is also considering a professional career.
Before saying good-bye to the Big Orange, the doubles team looks to collect
more wins as they tear through the SEC season. Malhotra and Lepsi will be
back in Knoxville with the Lady Vols when they take on rivals Alabama. The
high-paced action will begin at noon on March 14, and the Lady Vols welcome
fan support.
“We love when the crowds get into it,” Lepsi said, “Crowds can win
matches.”
It is unlikely that there will be beer-breathed, heckling and rowdy fans
gettin’ down at the tennis complex any time soon, but the high-paced action
of Malhotra and Lepsi will prevail. The event promises to be an impressive
display of athleticism that will satisfy Tennessee fan’s need for thrilling
competition.
