Charger women’s tennis went 1-4 with one match at home and three on the road in Florida over spring break.
The Chargers first faced the University of Northwestern Ohio Wildcats at home March 8, falling 5-2.
In doubles, No. 2 pair senior Libby McGivern and freshman Briana Rees took a 7-5 victory. The Chargers’ other win in the match came from sophomore Ané Dannhauser, who posted a 6-3, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles.
Later in the week, the Chargers traveled to Florida, where they first squared off against the top-ranked NAIA Seahawks of Keiser University in Boca Raton on March 11. The Chargers fell 7-0.
Against No. 15 Nova Southeastern University Sharks March 12 in Fort Lauderdale, the Chargers lost 7-0. Hillsdale’s sole win in the match came from Rees and Dannhauser’s 6-3 victory at No. 1 doubles.
“Bri and I really worked together and stayed calm no matter what, which is what enabled us to beat them,” Dannhauser said. “The win was definitely a shock for us and them, but it was so good.”
The team wrapped up the week with a 4-3 victory over the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish in West Palm Beach March 13.
“Thursday was very tough and we all had to fight so hard to get that win,” Dannhauser said. “PBA is a team we always manage to lose very close to, but this time we came out on top.”
At No. 1 doubles, Dannhauser and Rees took a 6-2 win. Rittel and Hackman followed suit with a 6-2 victory in No. 2 doubles.
At No. 1 singles against the Sailfish, Dannhauser won 7-6, 6-2.
“My singles match was so challenging but also very rewarding,” Dannhauser said. “I kind of messed up and had to fight hard to come back in the first set and then just stay focused in the second set.”
Rees walked away with a 6-2, 7-5 win in No. 3 singles, and Zlateva won at No. 5 singles 6-2, 6-1.
“We were playing against such high level teams, but I truly think the whole team came out and gave it their all over all three days,” Dannhauser said. “Overall the trip was absolutely amazing, and we didn’t want to leave. It was a great way to kick off conference play and I know now that we are ready for anything.”
The Chargers are now 6-6 on the season and will face Kentucky Wesleyan College and Thomas More University on the road this weekend.
