The men’s tennis team didn’t get the fairy tale ending it was hoping for in the conference tournament. The team lost in the semi-finals to Lindenwood University, finishing third in the HAAC with a 6-3 overall record.
The men lost to Lindenwood in their first match of the season, but were hopeful that their experience and success throughout the semester would pay off in the rematch. Senior Hunter Hollarn said the outcome was very disappointing for the team.
“We thought we were going to do a lot better against them this time,” Hollarn said. “We have come together a lot more, so we thought we were going to be a better matchup for them, and we were, but we still lost the match.”
With the spring season at its end, head coach Bruce Anderson said the loss to Lindenwood does not overshadow the achievements of the team. Despite the obstacles the team faced, dedication helped it power through the spring season.
“This is a team that had to come through a coaching transition, and we had our No. 2 player come up ineligible and those kinds of things you have no control over,” Anderson said. “But the thing over which they did have control was how hard they worked and how much they put into the team and on both those things they gave 110 percent every single day.”
The women’s team also lost to Lindenwood in its first round of the conference tournament and finished the season 3-9.
“As a team we lost, but it was really close and we played really good,” freshman Layne Anderson said.
The women won at the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles spots, but were unable to pull out the three singles wins they needed to secure a victory. Coach Anderson said the women’s team finished the season on a strong note, despite the close loss.
“They came back at the end and beat Evangel (University) and then went into conference with their heads held high and they have grown so much this year,” he said.
With the season over, both teams are looking ahead to what the 2009-2010 season will hold. Hollarn said he was impressed with the younger athletes this season and is sure the success of the team will carry on to next year.
“The freshmen and the transfers, they really stepped up and did a good job throughout the whole year,” he said. “We developed some good team chemistry, so I’ll miss playing on the team, but I know they are going to have another good season next year.”
The women’s team will be losing a few athletes next year.
Sophomore Breezy Mangan will be moving on to the Baker University School of Nursing.
“I wish I could play two more years, but I’m excited about going to nursing school too,” Mangan said.
Two other athletes, sophomore Molly Flannigan and junior Taylor Bonar, will be studying abroad in the fall. <br/>Also, junior Jen Ackerly and sophomore Allie Stephens have made the decision to transfer after this year. Ackerly is transferring to the University of Kansas.Also, junior Jen Ackerly and sophomore Allie Stephens have made the decision to transfer after this year. Ackerly is transferring to the University of Kansas.
Also, junior Jen Ackerly and sophomore Allie Stephens have made the decision to transfer after this year. Ackerly is transferring to the University of Kansas.
“I decided that I didn’t want to play tennis anymore and without the scholarship it’s a little expensive to go here,” she said.
Both players will be missed but Bruce Anderson said strong recruiting for next year has given him a positive outlook on the team’s potential.
“We have recruited (women) for next year in the (No.) 1, 2 and 3 slots that I think are really going to help us develop that team,” he said.
“The (women) that have stuck it out this year, I think, are going to be really happy that they did.”
