The UTD women’s tennis team picked up its first American Southwest Conference (ASC) East division victory of the year, overpowering LeTourneau, 9-0.
The victory opened a March 6 doubleheader for the Comets, who dropped the second match, 3-6, to McMurry.
Head coach Jenny Dunn questioned the effectiveness of scheduling two matches in the same day, but said she realizes that is the way the ball bounces.
“I know that we played the weaker team first and some of our players were tired against McMurry. I guess like any other sport there are aspects the players need to work through,” she said.
Against LeTourneau, top-seeded Andrea Hidalgo lost only one game, taking her singles match – 6-0, 6-1 – and teaming up with senior Alexis McCubbin for an 8-0 doubles victory.
In the McMurry match, Hidalgo couldn’t be touched, winning in singles, 6-0, 6-1 and in doubles with senior second seed Leslie Chen, 8-3.
“I think everyone looks up to Andrea because she’s a player with tons and tons of experience. They look to her for tips and leadership,” Dunn said.
Chen also enjoyed an undefeated afternoon, winning all four of her matches.
“Leslie is another really great player. Everyone is always impressed by her play,” Dunn said.
One week earlier, the women’s squad squared off against the top players from across the conference in the ASC Individual Championships.
Unfavorable pairing forced top-seeded freshman Heather Seals to face eventual champion Rebecca Watkins of Hardin-Simmons in the first round. Seals lost the match, but rebounded to claim one victory in the consolation bracket.
Also in the top-flight division, Hidalgo picked up one win before being eliminated in three sets in second round action.
Sophomore Natalie Taylor reached the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket after losing her opening match.
Along with the doubles team of Hidalgo and McCubbins, Seals and Taylor won their opening match and lost in the second round.
Looking ahead to UTD’s stretch of conference matchups, Dunn said she is optimistically hopeful about the remainder of the Comets’ season.
“They’re doing great. I’m really excited about the way they’re playing,” she said.
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