The Hillsdale women’s tennis team dropped three matches over spring break, falling to Palm Beach Atlantic, Nova Southeastern, and Findlay, as senior Sarah Hackman took G-MAC Player of the Week. 

Despite the Charger’s losses over the past two weekends, Hackman’s undefeated performance against Palm Beach Atlantic earned her recognition as the G-MAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week. 

Hackman, Hillsdale’s No. 1 singles and doubles player, has been named to the All-G-MAC team three times, won first-team honors twice, and was the 2022 G-MAC Player of the Year.

Sarah won 6-3 with junior partner Melanie Zampardo at No. 1 doubles, then rolled in straight sets at No. 1 singles with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Palm Beach Atlantic to earn two victories for the Chargers. 

After a first-set defeat in No. 2 singles, Zampardo secured the win with 6-2, 10-8 performances in sets two and three. Senior Canela Luna also rallied against the Sailfish, winning a straight-set 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 3 singles. 

Hillsdale’s second match against third-ranked Nova Southeastern proved to be a tough challenge as well, according to Luna. With a final score of 7-0, the Sharks won all nine contested matches in straight sets. Hard-fought performances from sophomore Courtney Rittel and senior Ellie Chawner were the highlight of the match with Rittel narrowly losing at No. 5 singles, 7-5, 6-4, and Chawner keeping the second set at No. 4 singles tight.

“I think we played well given the circumstances,” Luna said. “It’s tough transitioning from indoors to outdoors and especially tough when conditions are not ideal. Overall, I’m proud of us and am excited for conference.”     

In their Sunday match against Findlay, the Chargers fell short, losing 5-0. While Hackman and Zampardo managed to secure a 6-1 victory at No. 1 doubles, the Oilers gained a 6-2, 6-4 advantage at No. 2 and 3 doubles respectively. In the end, Findlay clinched the match by winning all four singles matches. 

Although Hillsdale was unable to score a point, several close singles matches could have changed the final score with Zampardo pushing the Oilers to a first-set tiebreak before falling 7-6 (4), 6-4 at No. 2 singles. Luna also put up a fight, losing 7-5, 6-4 at No. 3 singles.

The Chargers now have a season record of 3-7 and will travel to Ursuline for their next match March 24.