The men’s and women’s tennis teams both played their season opener this past Tuesday.
The men defeated Hendrix College 9-0, while the women fell to Northeastern Oklahoma University 0-9.
The women started off the match strong with a 5-1 lead in No. 1 doubles, but lost the next seven games, giving the victory to Northeastern Oklahoma 6-8.
“The girls faced a tough opponent, Northeastern Oklahoma, and played well too,” assistant coach Marco Ruiz said. “There are a few adjustments needed but overall it was a great first match.”
Northeastern State won both of the other doubles matches as well as all of the singles matches.
In spite of their loss this week, Ruiz said he believes the Lady Bisons can come back and have a good season.
“We need to keep working hard just like we have been doing,” Ruiz said. “Both teams had a great fall semester where we practiced hard on and off the tennis courts. What we take away from Tuesday’s match is the fact that we need to be prepared physically and mentally to play, because the competition is getting tougher every year.”
The Lady Bisons return to the courts this coming Tuesday as they face the University of the Ozarks here at home. The first match starts at 1 p.m.
The men had a rather unchallenging match Tuesday against Hendrix College, winning all their singles and doubles matches.
“The guys played really well in their first match of the semester beating Hendrix (College) 9-0,” Ruiz said. “Coach Elliott and I were extremely pleased with their performance.”
The Bisons beat the Hendrix Warriors in straight sets in singles.
They had an 8-5 victory for No. 1 doubles, and an 8-4 victory for No. 2 doubles.
Both pairs were playing together for the first time this season.
Sophomore Mark Singnil said he feels especially prepared for the upcoming games after today’s outcome.
“I feel ready for the future matches this season and I think my teammates are ready as well,” Singnil said. “I have a lot of confidence in my team and myself because we practice very hard and everybody does their best. Tuesday’s victory helped us start out the season on the right track.”
The Bisons hit the courts again this Tuesday, also taking on the University of the Ozarks, at 1 p.m. here at home.
Ruiz said he is looking forward to the remainder of the season, as both teams look to improve their play.
“I believe both teams are in great shape,” Ruiz said. “Like I said, we have been working hard and I am confident that all this hard work is going to pay off as we face some tough opponents this season.”
