Southwestern Women's Tennis played a double header this past weekend against the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs and St. Thomas Celts.
In the first match against the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs, the Pirates got a 3-0 lead after doubles, bringing the focus to singles. Sophomore and Team Captain Erika Synoski, along with fellow Sophomores Lauren Chisholm and Lydia Lee, quickly got the next three points needed to win the match against the Bulldogs. Everyone was excited to see Captain Erkia Synoski back on court after a season out due to injury.
Freshman Daryl Locke had a great weekend, gaining a point in both singles and doubles for the Pirates. Locke passionately won her singles match(6-2, 6-0). Locke experienced a fantastic start to her Freshman season!
Making her way into the lineup, Freshman Kimberly Duncan had a good win at line five (6-2, 6-3), gaining another single's point for the Pirates. Although Duncan faced a few bumps in the road she was focused and determined to win. Coach Porter stated, "Kimberly dealt with some adversity in the first set and worked her way through it for a solid win." Duncan's hard work shined through during the match and her level headedness on court helped her get the win.
Sophomore Valeria Garcia, had a confident win at line six. Garcia won 6-2, 6-1, gaining yet another point for the Pirates.
In the match against St. Thomas, Junior Sydney Wahl played line two singles. Wahl had a battle during the first set but was able to close out the set and match with authority. Wahl won 6-3, 6-1. This was an exciting first match of the season for Wahl, and she was able to contribute a needed point for the Pirates' win. Coach Porter stated, "Sydney saw her first singles action this season and played a strong player competitively for a much needed win."
In women's doubles, the team of Emma Kesterson and Nina Mitrofanova played together for the first time, and had natural chemistry. There was much potential for future wins and matches as the season continues. The two won their doubles match 8-1.
The women's tennis team won both matches 9-0, not losing a match the whole weekend.
The Pirates' women's tennis team performance has put them in a favorable position for the continuation of the Spring season. The Conference Tournament will be held here at Southwestern University on the Pirates' home courts, April 28-30.