Wildcat tennis concluded this weekend with strong showings on both the men’s and women’s fronts. The men’s team played in the New Mexico State Aggie Invitational, while the women participated in the Lawrence, Kansas tournament.
“We had a lot of good wins this weekend at the Kansas Invitational,” senior Hannah Kelley said. “I think after having last weekend’s tournament under our belt, as a team, we performed better. I also think being at a Division I tournament, we want to be able to prove that we are just as good as anyone else. And personally, I think we did prove that.”
On the men’s side, senior Hans Hach has proven early that he is the team’s MVP, winning his second consecutive singles title at the tournament by defeating Western New Mexico’s Rodrigo Almeida, 6-2, 6-0. In doubles, he and sophomore Borja Cortés combined to win the championship, 8-1, over the Aggie tandem of Daniel Fernandez and Naveen Manivannan.
“Without a doubt, game ball to Hans Hach, he keeps showing everyone the kind of player he is, by winning the whole tournament and probably many more to come,” senior Alfredo Desiati said.
The rest of the men’s squad played well, as the tournament proved to be a test of stamina and physical strength.
“I think this preparation got us all ready for the New Mexico tennis ‘marathon,’ that’s how I like to think of this tournament,” Desiati said.
The lady Wildcats also performed at a high level for their tournament in Kansas. They were led by the exceptional play of doubles teams Julia Mongin and Brittney Reed and also Micah Hermsdorf and Hannah Kelley.
“Two of our doubles teams beat a tough Kansas State team who I think is ranked in the top 25 in preseason ITA rankings,” Kelley said.
The women’s team was also led by freshman Kaysie Hermsdorf, who was the only one to win her draw behind a 3-0 record.
“She (Hermsdorf) beat some good opponents from three different Division I schools-UMKC, KU and Wichita State,” said Kelley.
The rest of the women’s team represented well. As a team, they posted an overall record of 29-14 (.674). This combined mark included an 18-9 (.667) singles record and 11-5 (.688) doubles record.
“I am very confident in this team, we all are stepping up and playing for each other and seeing results,” Kelley said. “We are working hard in practice and fitness to be the best we can be. I think we have a chance to go to the final four again or even the finals of nationals.”
With the way ACU’s tennis teams have played so far, big things are expected for this year. They have finished their tournaments with eight out of nine Wildcats obtaining winning singles records.
“I am extremely confident in this team because everybody trained hard over the summer and it showed because everyone has improved,” sophomore Kyle Plum said.
“I feel hopeful and confident that we are going to accomplish our goal of a national championship because we did not lose any
one and we added two great freshmen,” junior Emily Conrad said. “We are better than ever and I am excited to see what the future holds.”
The Wildcat tennis teams will be in action at home this coming weekend, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, as hosts of the ITA Regional Championships.
