Hillsdale women’s tennis competed at the 2024 ITA Midwest Regional, hosted by Grand Valley State University Sept. 14-16. The event featured top NCAA Division II teams, giving the Chargers a chance to evaluate their progress in singles and doubles play, according to the Hillsdale Chargers website.
“ITA’s were a smashing success I would say,” sophomore Ané Dannhauser said. “ They are super hard because everyone is at different venues, but the team really managed to support each other so well, and our energy was probably the best there.”
Dannhauser led Hillsdale’s charge in Flight A singles. She opened with a 7-6, 6-2 win over a University of Findlay opponent, followed by a 6-3, 7-5 victory over a Northwood University opponent in the second round. Her run ended in the Round of 16 after a three-set battle against Rockhurst University, losing 7-5, 4-6, 4-10.
Freshman Briana Rees also started strong in Flight A singles, defeating her first-round opponent from Roosevelt University 6-0, 6-1. In the second round, Rees came up short in a three-set match and lost 3-6, 6-3, 2-10 to Tiffin University.
“This was my first ITA tournament, and it was so fun to travel with the team for the first time,” Rees said. “Playing in the tournament was challenging but also a great experience!”
In Flight B singles, senior Elizabeth McGivern dominated her opening match against Quincy University, winning 6-1, 6-0. She moved forward with a 6-3, 3-0 retirement victory against Ferris State University in the second round and followed it up with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Davenport University in the quarterfinals. McGivern was stopped in the semifinals, however, falling 4-6, 1-6 to the University of Indianapolis.
Junior Isabella Spinazze competed in Flight B singles, where she lost 2-6, 1-6 to a Saginaw Valley State University opponent. Likewise, senior Courtney Rittel was defeated 1-6, 1-6 in her match against an opponent from the University of Findlay. Freshman Julia Zlateva won her first-round match 6-2, 6-2 against Purdue University Northwest but was eliminated in the second round, losing 1-6, 4-6 to a Maryville University player.
In doubles play, Rees and Rittel earned an 8-1 win over the University of Indianapolis in their first-round match before falling 4-8 to Wayne State University.
McGivern and Dannhauser also competed in Flight A doubles, advancing with a 9-8 (7-3) victory against Ferris State University in the first round. They moved on after their University of Indianapolis opponents retired with McGivern and Dannhauser leading 3-2. The duo’s quarterfinals appearance ended with a 4-8 loss to Wayne State University.
“The support and commitment we all share with each other really shined,” Rittel said. “Throughout the long ten-plus hour days, we all cheered for one another and stayed engaged in each other’s matches both on and off the court.”
Spinazze and freshman Julia Zlateva advanced to the quarterfinals in doubles play, as well. After their Tiffin University opponents retired due to injury in the first round, they secured an 8-4 win over Saginaw Valley State. Their tournament concluded with a 4-8 defeat against McKendree University in the quarterfinals.
“I am so proud of this team for how we competed and supported one another this past weekend at ITAs,” Rittel said. “We had some really incredible singles and doubles wins, taking down players from UIndy, Northwood, Findlay, Tiffin, and many other competitive schools. It was such a positive and encouraging weekend as we prepare for our last fall match in two weekends.”
With the ITA Midwest Regional behind them, the Chargers now turn their attention to the upcoming Hillsdale Invitational, scheduled for Sept. 28-29.