Yaroshuk-Tews said she could have started Albuquerque toward the bottom of the lineup and eased her entry into college tennis. But she opted against that plan and used her at No. 1 singles, where she went 0-3 in her first college tournament.

“I have a lot of faith in Monique,” the coach said. “For us to get to where we want to go (in the playoffs), Monique has to be introduced to those (top players at No. 1 singles). I think she belongs at No. 1.”

The coach said Albuquerque may be the “sweetest kid” she’s had in the program and would like to see her get tougher on the court.

In Miami’s most recent match, a 4-2 loss to No. 14 Northwestern, the Canes used, in order from No. 1 singles to No. 6: Albuquerque, Lileikite, Laurente, Wagner, Riobueno and Suarez.

That’s four freshmen and two sophomores in the top six. Junior Melissa Bolivar, who is from Colombia, played doubles.

Junior Brittany Dubins, who is from Miami Krop, is 3-0 and playing the best tennis of her life, according to her coach. But Dubins has to battle for playing time on a suddenly deep roster.

Last year, the Canes had no depth – just the minimum six players needed to field a team.

“I spent a lot of restless nights worrying if one of my kids would sprain an ankle,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “This year, I spend restless nights because I have to tell two kids who have been busting their butts in practice that they won’t be playing this match.”

From a team standpoint, it’s a good problem to have. Even better for Canes fans is the reality that this team will be together through the 2014 season. That gives this group two tries at winning a national title.

“We’ve talked about not just peaking this May,” the coach said, “but even more so next May.”