Comets dominated the courts Sept. 8 through Sept. 10 as men’s and women’s tennis teams both competed in the Marty Berryman Invitational.
Hosted by Collin College, the Marty Berryman Invitational marked the beginning of the team’s fall season. The Comets competed against teams from colleges throughout Texas, spanning several different divisions. The tournament served as an introduction to college tennis for the freshmen joining the team, as well to get the Comets ready before the ITA Southwest Regionals later this month. Head men’s and women’s tennis coach Brett Whitt said his team was ready to play their first match after waiting all summer to compete.
“We have a lot of new players who want to get out there and see what college tennis is all about,” Whitt said. “There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation. There’s a little anxiousness but it’s the first match of the season.”
The Comets will play two tournaments this fall season. Both will be individual, with men’s and women’s teams competing in singles and/or doubles without a cumulative team score. The ITA Southwest Regional will take place Sept. 21 to Sept. 24 for the women’s team and Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 for the men’s and will mark the end of the Comets fall season.
“This is one of the tournaments we play early to get ready for that [ITA Southwest Regional],” Whitt said. “It’s hard to just jump right into the competition. For the big tournament, you get started by playing smaller tournaments.”
Psychology senior Nick Bouquet has been playing tennis for UTD since he was a freshman. Bouquet played singles and doubles but felt especially confident in his doubles game during the Marty Berryman Invitational.
“We’ve got … more guys this year than in the past,” Bouquet said. “We’ve got a pretty solid team dynamic. This might be our highest team level so far, at least since I’ve been on the team. I’d say that’s looking good for this year.”
Neuroscience senior Rebecca Jackson has been practicing all summer in the weightroom and on the courts to prepare for her last year on the team. Jackson played both singles and doubles in the first tournament of the season.
“I’m really excited for this year,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of new freshmen and it’s looking good. It’s my senior year. It’s exciting to have my last year, to try to end it with a good year and good team.”
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