Ané Dannhauser gets ready to serve during senior day competitions.
Courtesy | Ashley Van Hoose.
The women’s tennis team defeated Ursuline College 7-0 April 17 and defeated Walsh University 4-2 April 18, ending its regular season with a record of 12-8. The team’s conference record is 6-3.
Head coach Melanie Zampardo said the match against Walsh lasted until 9 p.m. because they started the match playing on only two courts.
“It was a long day, but I’m proud of the girls when we have less than ideal conditions, and they still figure out a way to persevere and just do well,” Zampardo said.
Sura said one of the highlights was sophomore Briana Rees and junior Ané Dannhauser clinching the doubles point against Walsh. At No. 1 doubles, the match was close at 6-5, but Dannhauser and Rees won at 7-5.
“We’re able to hold strong, and I think that also encapsulates our team, and how we can win these tight matches against these tough opponents,” Sura said.
At No. 1 singles, Dannhauser beat Ursuline 6-0, 6-0. At No. 2 singles, Rees also beat Ursuline 6-0, 6-0.
“I was very happy with the overall team’s performance and matches this weekend,” Dannhauser said. “Personally I didn’t play very well, but thankfully the rest of the team stepped up and carried us to victory.”
At No. 3 doubles, sophomore Julia Zlateva and freshman Dimitra Papastavrou beat Walsh 6-2.
“They really did a good job playing together, and staying calm and confident in the tough moments, but they just cruised on through,” Zampardo said.
At No. 2 singles, Rees beat Walsh in a third set match 7-6, 4-6, 6-2. At No. 5 singles, freshman Esther Sura beat Walsh 6-4, 6-3. Rees and Sura played their singles matches against Walsh on back courts, separate from the other courts, according to Zampardo.
“That’s something that’s really difficult to do, because you’re apart from all the excitement, the energy, and the college atmosphere, and they both handled it well,” Zampardo said. “Of course, they didn’t want to be alone on that court, but they were mature. They accepted it, and they got through their matches.”
The Chargers will face off against Walsh University again April 23 at 1 p.m. in Kentucky for the first match in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament.
Sura said she’s excited to have the opportunity to face teams the Chargers lost to earlier in the season.
“Everything we’ve worked for this year is coming up this week,” Sura said. “It’s just crazy, how I was nervous playing my first match, and all of a sudden I’m playing G-MACs.”
Zampardo said if the team defeats Walsh University in the first match of the G-MAC Tournament, they will face either the University of Findlay or Northwood University in the semifinal match on April 24. The final match in the G-MAC Tournament will be on April 25.
“This is what we look forward to,” Zampardo said. “I’m pumped for the tournament. I’m pumped just to see everyone in one location. We’ve had so much fun this year, and I’m not ready for it to end.”
