After two weeks of intense training, the women’s tennis team will begin its season with a match against North- wood University on Friday, Sept. 7.
“It’s a tough match but we’re pressing really hard and we’ll definitely have a shot,” said senior team captain Brittany Parks. “We have improved a lot since last year and are excited for this season.”
The tennis team, only in its second season of competition since the team was cut seven years ago, began practicing
as a team one week before classes began, Parks said.
“Last year, the expecta- tions were very different,” Parks said. “We knew it would be a building year. But this year, we’ve raised the bar, which is what we need to keep improving upon.”
The team’s primary goal is to reach the GLIAC cham- pionships in October, said Coach Nikki Walbright.
“It would be huge if we can go there,” freshman Syd- ney Delp said. “And we want a winning season, so we’re working hard.”
Delp is one of four fresh- men on the team of nine. The new players ensure that the team will be stronger across every position, providing an advantage in competition, Parks explained.
“We (freshmen) are in- cluded in everything, and [the
upperclassmen] all set great examples,” Delp said. “In high school, tennis is more of an individual sport. But here, we really count on each other and we’re all accountable. What matters is if the team gets through or not.”
Parks agreed.
“Tennis is an individual sport, but has a team aspect that’s very important to man- age.”
Throughout last season, Walbright helped the women develop their athletic abilities as well as their cohesiveness as a team. That foundation has helped the five returning tennis players incorporate the freshmen into the team, Parks said.
“[Walbright] is awe- some,” Delp said. “During the preseason, it was super tough and we were all so sore and tired and then told to get on the line and start running. But Nikki really makes you want to work hard and get better.”
Delp called Northwood one of the toughest teams in the league, but Hillsdale is excited for its first match.
“I’m glad for matches to begin so that we can see our work pay off and beat up on another team instead of each other for a change,” said Delp. “We really want to draw a crowd, and get that home-team advantage, so I hope that people come out and see us.”
The match against North- wood will be on Friday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. The team will play against Ferris State Uni- versity at 12 p.m. on Satur- day, Sept. 8.
