By Ana Berbel, Distribution Manager
West Liberty University’s women’s tennis team ended their season this past weekend after falling short to University of Charleston in the Mountain East Conference Tournament. This year, the tournament was held at the Marshall University Tennis Complex in Huntington, W.Va.
The team won their first encounter on Friday against UVA Wise. They started by sweeping all three doubles matches with Thais Mendez and Maurine Oudart playing one, Laura Huwe and Alaina Pauley playing two and Ana Berbel and Kate Pinchuk playing three. Advancing the team to semifinals, Mendez and Pinchuk, won with their singles matches in straight sets.
The battled continued on Saturday when the Lady Hilltoppers faced University of Charleston for the semifinals. The team got a big win a number three doubles, but fell short with number one and two. Charleston closed out the game by winning the singles matches at number two, three and four.
Although the WLU women are disappointed they didn’t get to the finals of the tournament, they are happy for a great overall season with very close games against the higher seeds. The team ended up third in their conference, ranking behind West Virginia State and University of Charleston.
“I think we had a good season, full of achievements, success and defeats, but we are always looking forward to continue progressing and improving. For me, It was exciting and energetic, everyone is constantly encouraging each other, but at the same time we need the energy to win our own matches to be able to win the game; the motivation is unique,” said freshmen Mendez. “I think in the future we will be much better since we proved that we can win against any rival with only confidence in us, so I think that in the future we will be the champions of the season and the conference.”
The Lady Hilltoppers are going to be on break until next semester when they will face their regional opponents which include IUP, Mercyhurst and Slippery Rock.
Photo credit: Hilltoppersports.com
