The Elon women’s tennis team can look to a pair of second-year players as the push behind its 8-2 record halfway through the 2012 season.

Sophomore doubles tandem Frida Jansaker and Jordan Johnston are currently ranked 43rd in the nation among doubles, making history as the first Elon girls and the only members of the Southern Conference to be nationally recognized.

Women’s tennis head coach Elizabeth Anderson attributes the turnaround to the hard work and development of her young players, as well as their teamwork.

“They have really good chemistry, get along really well and they’ve always been friends off the court,” Anderson said. “On the court, their games complement each other really well.”

Both players hint at almost a telepathic bond.

[quote]The combination of being easygoing and knowing when to be intense and buckle down really helps them a lot. This compatibility is evident in their playing. - Sean Patterson, tennis manager[/quote]

“We don’t even have to say anything anymore," Johnson said. "I know wherever I need her, she will be there."

Originally from Sweden, Jansaker was recruited to play at Elon following her primary schooling. She sees a significant difference between the American and Swedish games.

“Here in America, there are so many more players, all with different styles of game,” she said. “As a result, college tennis competition in the states is much tougher.”

The duo, which is 7-1 overall this season for the Phoenix, is pleased with the results.

“It’s so nice to see all of our hard work pay off,” Johnston said. “We’re seeing results and that’s what is important.”

Jordan, hailing from Snellville, Ga., attended tennis manager Sean Patterson’s rival high school.

“The combination of being easygoing and knowing when to be intense and buckle down really helps them a lot,” Patterson said. “This compatibility is evident in their playing.”

The countless hours spent on and off the court has facilitated a close bond between the pair.

“Frida is one of my best friends, and it’s really nice to be able to share the success with someone you are close with and you get along with so well,” Johnston said.

Jansaker said that all the players are close friends and enjoy playing together, a crucial element to the team’s current success.

“There are a lot of teams here in our conference and North Carolina that just hang out on the court, but that’s it,” she said. “We are such a close team. If we don’t have practice we would probably be hanging out anyway.”

Equally important, the team embraces the philosophy of Elon, priding itself on upholding principles of respect, hard work, sportsmanship and friendship.

“We are known to be a team which is very close and stresses sportsmanship on the court,” Jansaker said. “Our coach is very particular about our on-court behavior, because we are representing Elon.”

The team agrees, and Johnston said she has loved being a part of the team.

“There is nothing more fun than going out, being competitive and playing well with eight of your closest friends,” Johnston said. “Every match we play we are all together in it, kicking butt, taking names, doing our stuff.”