Komal Safdar elevated her position as a reliable player for Syracuse when she provided the team’s two biggest victories of the season.

The junior came from behind in her singles matches to beat ranked opponents Virginia Tech and Florida State. She said it was those experiences in close matches that provided Safdar with the confidence to compete against any opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“When I face pressure situations in my matches today, I visualize moments in those two previous matches which gives me more confidence and belief in my ability,” Safdar said in an email.

Safdar has emerged as a productive veteran whose consistency on the court has benefited the team over the past month. She has won four of her last six singles matches, and is optimistic about carrying her momentum into SU’s (4-11, 4-6 ACC) upcoming road trip this weekend against Clemson (17-4, 9-1) and Georgia Tech (9-7, 6-4).

She credits two factors for her improved play this season. First, a healthy wrist that hampered her in her previous two seasons. And second, resilient teammates that have fueled her passion for the game.

“This 2014 team has proved that we can win big matches and it gives me encouragement to know that everyone is fighting,” Safdar said.

Her key is to not become overzealous when something goes her way, or falter when she doesn’t earn a match point. It’s a rare sight to see a shift in Safdar’s body language while competing on game day. Whether battling in a tight match or observing her teammates’ matches from the sidelines, she won’t be fazed by the highs and lows that occur during a match.

It’s crucial for Safdar to set an example for her teammates by always keeping a positive mind-set when competing on the court.

It’s an attitude that impresses Syracuse interim head coach Shelley George.

“She’s just mentally tough,” George said. “She’s one of the strongest players on the court and leads the team through her actions.”

Senior Maddie Kobelt has noticed how Safdar elevated her play following the season-ending injury to senior Aleah Marrow. Safdar’s ability to step up and win close matches against highly touted opponents is a testament to her growth in her third season with the team.

Kobelt believes that Safdar’s success is a result of the effort she provides on a daily basis.

“Komal has been great for us this season,” Kobelt said in an email. “Her success on the court just shows how hard she works in practice and how determined she is to find a way to win.”

Safdar said the team’s character will be tested when it travels to play two road matches this weekend. After losing to unranked Maryland on Sunday, the Orange looks to build confidence over the final two weeks of the regular season.

If she continues to be an effective contributor for Syracuse, then the Orange is capable of competing at a high level against Clemson and Georgia Tech. Safdar plans to play with the same attitude that has led her to success over the past month.

Said Safdar: “My focus is to stay positive both mentally and with my body language, along with being the best competitor out there. Once one person plays this way, whoever it is, the energy diffuses to the other courts to create the fighting aura we carry around with us.”

Published on April 9, 2014 at 11:28 pm