The ACU women’s tennis team began its 2014-2015 season in Midland and Abilene with impressive wins amidst a field of challenging opponents.

The Racquet Club Invitational in Midland boasted an impressive roster of Div. I schools, and the ‘Cats had tough battles in every round. The tournament is known for its elite players, and the Wildcats proved themselves able to compete among them.

The women’s doubles team, composed of junior Kaysie Hermsdorf and freshman Lucile Pothier, battled until the quarterfinal rounds when it lost out to University of Texas at Arlington’s Elizabeth Thoms and Angeles de los Rios.

“It was the first time I played with Kaysie in an official tournament,” said Pothier. “But I think we have the same desire to win and, that made the difference.”

In the singles flight, senior Brittney Reed and Hermsdorf met their toughest competitors in the early rounds. Hermsdorf conceded to Lorraine Guillermo of Pepperdine in the first round. Reed battled against Rice’s Savannah Durkin but was ultimately defeated after a tough match.

Sophomore Erin Walker was the No. 10 seed, the only seeded player for the Wildcats, and she faced serious competition throughout the tournament. All four Wildcats fought hard, but there were no titles to bring home.

Back at home, the Wildcats dominated at the Walmart Open. In total, the ACU tennis teams took home five championships and finished as the runner-ups four separate times. Junior Nada Marjanovic led the women’s team, winning the single and doubles title for the whole competition.

“Despite the weather not being in our favor, we were able to stay focused and get the job done,” said Marjanovic.

Marjanovic’s toughest competition turned out to be one of her own teammates. Freshman Whitney Williams met Marjanovic in the finals but ultimately handed over the title to the upperclassman.

“I feel like our team did a really good job of getting out there and competing with the right energy,” said Marjanovic.

The team will travel to Norman, Oklahoma later this week for the Oklahoma Invitational beginning Friday.