Wins and losses are usually the measuring stick of a successful season, but the Loyola tennis team has a different idea of success.

The team’s head coach, Kyle Russell, said that keeping his players committed and dedicated are his ultimate goals this season rather than winning.

“I think for our program right now, we are more about result goals and not action goals,” Russell said.

Russell said that this season, his players have responded well to these goals.

“We are trying to change the culture through commitment and dedication and I could not be happier with the way the players have responded,” Russell said.

Tony Benjamin, business senior, said that Russell has already achieved his goal in such a short period of time with the team.

“I feel the team spirit is better than any of the years I have been here. We’ve done great for the situation,” Benjamin said.

This “situation” lies in the limited number of players on the team this season, specifically on the women’s side with only five available players.

Alexa Mancuso, graphic design sophomore, said that not having a full women’s team has been their biggest challenge this year.

“We go into a competition already down two matches,” Mancuso said.

Russell said he’s most proud of the way the women’s team has handled the adversity this season.

“With them being undermanned it would be very easy for them to get discouraged, but they have maintained a positive attitude,” Russell said.

Despite the tough times early on in the season, Benjamin said that he has gained a new sense of admiration for his teammates.

“I have great respect for them, and that as a captain makes me the happiest,” Benjamin said.

The team will be back in action on the road on March 22 to play Millsaps College at the University of New Orleans.