The men’s and women’s tennis teams are in Southland, Texas today to defend their LoneStar Conference Title in the annual LSC tournament.
The men’s team will take to the courts with a perfect conference record of 5-0 on the line. ACU will play in a semi-final against the number four seed Cameron University Aggies.
The ‘Cats have won three straight LSC titles, and will be in for another challenging tournament. Earlier in the year, ACU narrowly beat the Aggies 5-4 because of some difficulties winning their doubles matches.
However, ACU is the favorite to take home their fourth straight title, lead by senior Nick Plum and sophomore sensation Hans Hach, who will be taking on the best players in the LSC this weekend from the first line.
“I am the one putting pressure on myself because I want to give my teammates the big W at number one line in singles and doubles,” Hach said. “This semester has been all about winning for my team.”
The women’s team is also viewed as the cream of the crop in the LoneStar Conference, and will be looking for their fifth straight title. The ‘Cats have a bye in the first round before they will take on the winner of the Midwestern State and Tarleton State.
Neither team should pose much of a threat for ACU, who has beaten all of the teams they have played in the LSC by a score of 8-1 or better. The dominance that the Wildcats have displayed this season in the LSC could mean that this LSC tournament is not much more than a formality this season.
The women’s team will be lead to battle by junior Julia Mongin, who was named LSC tennis player of the year earlier this week.
Mongin has been on the first line in both singles and doubles for the ‘Cats all year. The junior from France is riding a thirteen match winning streak, and is ranked second in the entire nation in singles play.
The men’s and women’s team have their eyes set on nationals, and there is no telling just how far the Wildcats can go.
“Knowing that we have beaten everyone we have played in the LSC definitely gives us confidence,” Plum said. “We know that each team from here on out is tough, so we need to be ready to play our best.”
The ladies tennis team will play tonight at 6:30 p.m. and the men will take the court this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. With a win, the ‘Cats will play in the LSC championships tomorrow starting at 12:30 p.m.
