The ACU Wildcat men and women’s teams both competed in different tournaments over this past weekend. The men participated in the Boise State Appleton Classic which was highlighted by junior Hans Hach, while the women competed at the Rice Invitational tournament in Houston, where senior Laura Mongin led the women’s squad.
“I thought we played well overall with a lot of intensity,” junior Emily Conrad said. “Every school at this tournament was a division I school and we all held our own.”
“We did really well and we are trying as hard as we can to make another appearance at nationals next semester since it’s our last division II year,” sophomore Guilherme Gesser said. “Our team has had a great semester winning almost everything we’ve played in and we are looking forward for the spring.”
Hans Hach had yet another stellar performance as he was able to capture his third doubles championship this season with partner Guilherme Gesser as the fifth ranked seed. The pair was able to defeat pairings from Montana State (8-6), Oregon (8-2), Portland (8-6) and Idaho State (8-6). The Portland duo of Michel Hu Kwo and Alex Ferrero, were the No. 1 seeds of the tournament.
“We were and still are focused on our goals and we face our obstacles head on,” Gesser said. “As our coach says ‘we’ve got to be DFW (down for whatever)’.”
Hach also finished second overall in the singles bracket. Senior Alfredo Desiati also played well as he made it to the quarterfinals in the singles bracket, capping off a great team performance by ACU.
“This past season has really shown that we are a solid team,” Gesser said. “I think we all came in from the summer ready to jump start into the season and compete.”
The ACU women’s team also represented well, as senior Laura Mongin won the won the singles championship and finished third in doubles with freshman Kaysie Hermsdorf.
“The tournament went well for all of us I think,” junior and older sibling Micah Hermsdorf said. “Laura Mongin had a great weekend. She was undefeated in singles and only lost one match in doubles, and it was a close match against Rice, 6-8. She is a great attribute to this team and I’m so glad her hard work was displayed well at this tournament. She and Kaysie have been a great doubles team to watch throughout the season.”
ACU’s next competition is the ITA/USTA National Small College Championships, which runs from Oct. 11 to 14 at the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. Representing the Wildcats there will be regional singles and doubles champions Hans Hach, Borja Cortés, along with Julia Mongin and Brittney Reed.
