Tennis teams are back in full swing

Augusto Velez (right) fires off a strong return at the men's tennis match during doubles match with partner Vlad Khudziy against Aquinas College on March 30. (Photo by Sarah Johnson)

The Foresters’ men’s and women’s tennis teams started their spring seasons at the end of March. Both teams are regaining momentum from their fall seasons and getting back into the routine of playing again.

The women’s team took on Trine University March 29 as their first opponent of the season. It was a rough way to start, and they settled for a loss of 1-8. Senior Megan Adams said that it has been a hard season so far.

“This season has been a little more difficult for us,” she said. “Unfortunately, it has been different because a couple of our seniors are unable to play due to injury, PRIME and student teaching. We only really have six women we can play, which is how many it takes for us to have a full roster. It has forced women to play in positions they are not used to, and it forces women to step up their game and play up.”

Their second match of the season, took the same turn as the first. They took on Davenport University (Mich.) March 31 and came up scoreless as Davenport took the game 0-9.

Sophomore Stacie Cressman said that despite the losses to Trine University and Davenport University, the team has continued to put forth its best effort, but it has not been easy. Players have had to practice hard and fill the spots for the seniors who cannot play.

“Lauren Sunderman has had to really step up this season,” Cressman said. “In the fall she played four singles, but she is now having to play one singles which is a huge difference.”

The men’s team hasn’t gotten off to much of a better start than the women’s team. They took on Aquinas College (Mich.) March 30 as their first opponent and settled for a 3-6 loss.

Sophomore Jose Hungaria said that the team is playing hard and, despite the challenges of the spring season, accomplishments have been made.

“Augusto Velez and Vlad Khudziy won the doubles regional tournament and Vlad won the singles, so that is a great accomplishment,” he said.

The Foresters took on Davenport University (Mich.) March 31 and lost 3-6.

The goal for the team is to finish this spring season well and get ready to be successful in the fall season, Hungaria said.

“Hopefully the team will end up in good form and full of confidence for the next fall,” he said.

The women take on Hillsdale College (Mich.) April 21.