The Hillsdale women’s tennis team lost to undefeated Northwood University on April 6, ending Hillsdale’s four-match winning streak with a 6-1 defeat.
“It was definitely a tough weekend at Northwood last Saturday,” junior Courtney Rittel said. “Not one of us necessarily had a bad match or didn’t compete well; Northwood really just came out so strong with every single their girls having an on day.”
Despite the overall loss, the Chargers began the match with promise, dominating the doubles competition. Together, senior Melanie Zampardo and sophomore Megan Hackman secured a 6-3 win at No. 1 doubles, while Rittel and freshman Ane Dannhauser also claimed a 6-4 victory at No. 2 doubles.
“Northwood was a tough match, but I’m really proud of us for pulling out the doubles point,” Zampardo said.
Zampardo said the challenge was intensified by injuries on the team.
While Hillsdale secured the early advantage in doubles play, they lost momentum in the singles matches. The Timberwolves swept all six singles contests in straight sets. Notably Dannhauser, who competed in the No. 1 singles position, narrowly lost with scores of 7-5, 6-3. Playing at the No. 4 position, senior Helana Formentin conceded the match 3-6, 4-6.
“The good part of the match was that we did play incredible doubles and continued our streak of winning the doubles point which will be incredibly important as we move deeper into the season,” Rittel said.
The loss moves Hillsdale College to a 7-10 overall record, with a 4-1 record in G-MAC play. Looking ahead, the Chargers face a critical juncture in their season with two upcoming home matches against the remaining unbeaten teams in the G-MAC. They will play the defending G-MAC Champion, Findlay, on April 12, followed by the undefeated Tiffin University on April 13.
“Despite our loss this weekend against Northwood, I am really proud of the way we showed up to play,” Formentin said. “I am confident that if we see them again at the GMAC tournament we will be able to come out on top and win. The next few weeks will be focused on getting to that next level and preparing us for the last few weeks of the season.”