When asked how practice had gone over the past two days, sophomore Maria Calbeto chuckled, as if to say every practice is a hard one with head coach Jody Bronson.

That seemed to be what attracted Calbeto when she decided to come to Marquette. In fact, she enjoyed her official visit to Marquette so much that she opted to graduate a year early from Colegio Marista High School in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

"Beba is someone who competes and understands that it takes a maximum effort throughout an entire match to be competitive," Bronson said. "Regardless of the score, whether she's winning by a lot or losing, she's out there dying for every point. That's something we're trying to get all of our players to do."

In her final year of high school, Calbeto was the No. 1-ranked player in Puerto Rico. As her college career began, she stepped into the starting lineup at the No. 2 singles position in 2004-'05. She took her lumps as most No. 2 freshmen would, posting a 5-13 mark. The transition was tough, but one that made her better, she feels.

"It forced me to really work on my forehand because I'm a backhand player," she said. "I think that area of my game has really improved since I came to Marquette. Now, I need to improve my footwork."

Calbeto added that she believes that she and freshman Lauren Little can have success down the road if they continue to play doubles together. Little has shown flashes of an explosive forehand this season, while Calbeto's backhand is nearly impeccable when she's on her game. It hasn't been easy for the tandem, though. Both were hampered by injuries early on and have posted a 2-7 mark when they have been healthy enough to play No. 1 doubles.

"I think we can have success despite the record this year," Calbeto said. "We have a lot of fun out there playing doubles. I'm the only one on the team who makes her laugh, so we like playing together."

Maria, nicknamed "Beba," Spanish for "baby," is used to playing the toughest competition, having grown up with two older brothers who played tennis. She learned how to keep score by watching them play, waiting for the next opportunity to be mercilessly defeated on the court by her relentless older siblings.

When Calbeto was eight years-old, she competed in her first tournament. Coincidentally, her first organized match was against current teammate and good friend Francina Bonnelly.

"She kicked my butt," Calbeto said.

Practice doesn't sound so bad now, does it?