Sophomore Briana Rees won in a tiebreaker. Courtesy | Hillsdale Athletic Department
The women’s tennis team began conference play losing 5-2 to Northwood University March 22. They lost 6-1 to No. 24 ranked Midwestern State University Texas March 16, and lost 7-0 to Tarleton State University March 17. The Charger’s season record is now 6-6, with a record of 0-1 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play. Sophomore Briana Rees beat Northwood 7-5, 4-6, 1-0 in a tiebreaker at No. 2 singles.
“I know it’s hard being on court three losses in a row,” head coach Melanie Zampardo said. “I know how difficult that is, so we’ll have to gauge how they’re feeling. But from my perspective, everything looks great, and we are so ready for the rest of the conference season.”
At No. 3 doubles, senior Bella Spinazze and sophomore Julia Zlateva beat Northwood 6-4.
“We were really right there with Northwood,” Zampardo said. “I think on any given day, it could have been either of us. I was happy with the fight.”
Zampardo said she is excited to start conference play, especially for the freshmen new to the team.
“I think now is when we can start to showcase the hard work that we’ve been putting in since August, and we have a chance to compete with the teams that really matter for us,” Zampardo said. “Our goal is to win a conference championship, and so we’re finally getting the chance to see the competition.”
Junior Ané Dannhauser said that while the team is disappointed by the matches this week, they know what they need to change.
“We are even more motivated and ready for the next matches, which will probably be the hardest ones yet,” Dannhauser said. “It is really exciting to be playing conference matches again, because it feels like you’re playing for more and there is more at stake, which makes it super exciting.”
At No. 5 singles, freshman Esther Sura beat Midwestern State 6-3, 7-6, 7-5. At No. 1 doubles, Rees and Dannhauser beat Midwestern State 6-3. Dannhauser said the matches in Texas and against Northwood were disappointing.
“Both were extremely competitive, but I didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that I had,” Dannhauser said. “The best moments had to be when I had the momentum on my side, and I felt like I was playing and hitting the ball freely. Unfortunately those moments didn’t last long enough, but all I can do is learn from it.”
Senior Megan Hackman said the team improves every match.
“Although we did not come out on top, we were right there, which fuels us even more ready for the conference tournament,” Hackman said. “Our two other biggest conference matches are this weekend at home, and our energy in the Biermann is always unmatched.”
Zampardo said the team played with composure against Tarleton, a Division I school.
“The coach from Tarleton even sent me a text the following day, just about what fighters our girls were,” Zampardo said. “And we were down a few players, so our lineup was all switched around. They played with new partners and tried new things. It was difficult, and I really commend all of them for just embracing it and doing the best they could with it.”
The Chargers will face the University of Findlay at home March 27 and Tiffin University at home March 28. Zampardo said the Chargers are playing their three toughest conference matches first.
“We’re ready for it, and we’re playing at home against Findlay and Tiffin, so that’s very exciting,” Zampardo said. “We’ve done great at home this year, and the girls are ready to fight and ready to compete. It’s been fun, and there’s not been one person who has fallen short when the competition gets tough, everyone steps up to the plate.”
