Senior Bella Spinazze competes at the last home match. Courtesy | Hillsdale Athletic Department. 

The women’s tennis team defeated Kentucky Wesleyan College 7-0 and defeated Thomas More University 6-1 April 10-11 at home, lifting its season record to 10-8 and its conference record to 4-3. 

“It’s easy to fall to the level of the competition you’re playing, and we did not do that at all,” head coach Melanie Zampardo said. “We played really good tennis, and we got the job done really quickly and efficiently.”

The team celebrated seniors Megan Hackman and Bella Spinazze during and after the match against Kentucky Wesleyan. Around 50 people attended the celebration, according to Zampardo.

“It’s gonna hurt to see them go because every single day for all four years, they’ve just come in and given their best, and they’ve inspired others to do their best,” Zampardo said. 

Hackman and Spinazze played together at No. 2 doubles, defeating Kentucky Wesleyan 6-0.

“It is bittersweet,” Hackman said. “I will miss this team so much, and it has truly been the most special four years. Hillsdale is unlike any other school, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such amazing women over all my years.” 

Spinazze beat Kentucky Wesleyan 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 singles. Kentucky Wesleyan only had five players, so Spinazze’s match was the only one in the building

“She was the only one out there,” Zampardo said. “And to have her entire family there, and then the whole team and everyone just watching her, cheering her on, and supporting her, that felt really special, too.”

The following day, junior Ané Dannhauser and sophomore Briana Rees beat Thomas More 6-1 at No. 1 doubles. Freshmen Dimitra Papastavrou and Esther Sura beat Thomas More 6-1 at No. 3 doubles. 

At No. 5 singles, Papastavrou beat Thomas More 6-2, 6-2.

The Chargers will travel to Ohio to face Ursuline College April 17 and No. 49 ranked Walsh University April 18.