Both tennis teams have gotten their seasons under way during the last week, after having to adjust schedules because of weather delays.
The men were scheduled to have four teams arrive and play matches during the weekend, but the winter storm allowed only Trinity University to make it to Abilene. The men ended up playing a double header against the No. 10 team in Division III. The Wildcats performed impressively, dominating both matches, winning the first in a 9-0 sweep of the Cardinals and the second in an 8-1 win.
“We were happy just to get in some matches finally,” said senior Bryan Joiner. “We got moved back from Friday to Sunday, and we were just happy to play.”
The women had better luck getting in all of their matches after the delays. The Wildcats continued with both weekend matches and then another on Monday, finishing the weekend 1-2.
ACU got off to a tough start against Division I opponent University of New Mexico, falling to the Lobos 5-2.
“I know we were capable of winning those matches,” said Head Coach Hutton Jones. “We just didn’t get it done.”
Micah Hermsdorf and Lauren White picked up the only doubles win for the Wildcats, handing the New Mexico pair of Oldani/Richardson an 8-1 loss. The Lobos fought back to claim the remaining two matches with 8-5 wins over Julia Mongin and Jaclyn Walker and Hannah Kelley and Cassie Carver to give the Lobos the doubles point.
New Mexico continued its momentum in singles play, taking four of the six singles matches from the Wildcats. Micah Hermsdorf picked up a point for ACU with a three-set thriller that went into a tiebreak in the final set. Hannah Kelley earned the only other point for the Wildcats, beating Kristin Eggleston in straight sets 6-1, 6-3.
ACU rebounded well in its second match of the day against Western New Mexico, picking up a 7-0 sweep.
The Wildcats managed to win every match without dropping a set and won eight of the 12 singles sets without losing a point.
“It was a very good showing for us,” Jones said. “We played well every match.”
ACU made a stop in Las Cruces, N.M., before heading back to Abilene to take on another Div. I team, New Mexico State.
The Wildcats were unable to pull out a win, falling 4-3 to the Aggies.
After dropping the doubles point by losing two of the three doubles matches, the Wildcats dropped three of five singles matches.
At the No. 1 singles spot, Julia Mogin beat Isabela Kulaif when Kulaif retired just three points into the second set with an injury. Kelley and Hermsdorf also picked up wins for ACU.
Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams will be back in action this weekend.
The women are at home this weekend against Div. I Louisiana Lafayette and LSC opponent Tarleton State. Both matches will take place on Friday.
The men will travel to Houston for three matches against Texas teams, including Div. I opponent No. 34 Rice.
“Rice is a top Div. I team, but I think we have a real chance to play with them,” Joiner said.
