Senior tri-captains Jen Luten and Kylyn Deary have made their presence known on the Voute Courts over the last four years.
In addition to stellar singles play, the duo has teamed up in doubles play, wreaking havoc in the league from the beginning.
In its senior campaign, the duo has held up the No. 1 doubles spot for the Jumbos, going 18-6 while knocking off some of the top teams in New England. The highlight for the pair this season came when the seniors dethroned Amherst's top duo, New England's No. 1 pair of junior Alicia Menezes and freshman Brittany Berckes, by a score of 9-8.
"This year our win against Amherst in the dual match at home was most memorable," Luten said. "It definitely was a close one, and we pulled out an upset, beating the No. 1 team in the Northeast. It was a very mentally tough match."
In addition to the win against the Amherst pair, the duo has also waltzed by Williams' top pair of sophomore Cary Gibson and junior Annie Schneidman, who both earned All-NESCAC honors in addition to both being ranked in the ITA. The duo's big wins have not just garnered valuable points, but they have also set the tone this season for the rest of the Jumbo squad.
"Their leadership on the doubles court has set the tone for the rest of the team on how doubles can decide the match," coach Kate Bayard said. "I am excited that they will be coming back to teach a thing or two about doubles to the team next year."
While Luten and Deary have only teamed up with each other this season, that has not always been the case. The two first paired up as freshmen and only played on-and-off with each other since then. Together they have posted an impressive 37-18 record in doubles play in the No. 1 spot.
"I think our ability to have open communication on the doubles helps our game tremendously," Deary said. "We have our special sayings to one another during close matches. We are also very lucky because we both enjoy playing together, and have learned through the years how to keep matches we play stay on the tennis courts, and not let anything negatively affect our friendship."
Certainly, the duo's chemistry shows through on the court. Having paired up as captains, along with classmate Steph Ruley, the two have cultivated a close friendship that has only helped them work together better.
"I think two friends playing together can actually not work out as well because they might not be able to be honest with each other and push each other every day," Deary said. "Jen and I make it work and use it to our advantage. We have both learned how to effectively communicate with one another in positive ways so any criticism we give each other is always constructive."
"I think chemistry off the court helps as a doubles pair," Luten said. "Kylyn and I are like sisters - we can tell each other our secrets and call each other out on things. We definitely are very comfortable with each other and know when or when not to push each other on the court. I think because we are best friends it gives us an advantage against other teams."
In addition to the stellar doubles play the two have contributed over the years, they have been a presence on the singles court as well. Luten has played in the No. 1 spot for all four years, and this season, she broke the Tufts record for singles wins in a career. Her record currently stands at 61-21. On top of creating Tufts history, Luten was selected this year as an All-NESCAC selection for both singles and doubles.
Deary has also been a constant in the singles line-up for the Jumbos, competing in the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots this season, a testament to her versatility, as she has posted a 48-21 career singles record despite moving around in the line-up.
Deary and Luten have been an imposing presence for the Jumbos for four years, and will certainly be a tough act to follow when next season rolls around.
