Lady Cru places 2nd in ASC

The spring brings out the athlete in many people. The quad is often filled with students tossing anything from a baseball to a Frisbee.

At the end of the college basketball season, many turn to the university’s baseball and softball fields to show their school spirit.

However, another sport taking notice is UMHB tennis.

With one upperclassman on the team, some thought this season would be a rebuilding year. Yet, the women’s tennis team is showing its toughness.

“Our (women have) a lot of talent, skill and potential,” Head Coach James Cohagan said earlier this year.
His predictions proved to be worth their weight in gold as the Lady Cru brought home multiple wins this season.
Dominating the ASC, the team’s hope of doing well in the tournament this year is high.

“I am very proud of our women’s teams. They have worked hard,” assistant coach and senior communication major Daniel Quinones said. “The new freshmen held their own and learned a lot about college tennis. If they continue to play as well as they have there is no question that they’ll make it to the tournament and do well.”

The women have already toppled rivals this season and look forward to the ASC tournament April 18 -20.

Despite the successful season thus far, both the men and women would not come back for wins against Hardin-Simmons as the doubles teams fell in dual-match losses April 11, and split in dual matches against the McMurry University Indians April 12 in Abilene.  

The divide hands the Lady Cru a 7-3 overall and a 6-1 in conference. The loss brings the men to a 2-8 overall and 2-5 in ASC west division play.

However, freshman Elise Kunze looks forward to the upcoming matchups.

“This has been a great semester for all of us,” she said.  “If we keep playing this well, we should definitely make our presence known at the tournament.”

While the Lady Cru continue their domination in conference, the men’s tennis team still fights on.

Through some tough competition, the men have a record that is slightly less impressive than the women.

Cohagan said the team may not be as strong as last season, but with a lot of hard work, the players still improve regardless of their record.

With the addition of former Temple College tennis player, senior Eric Williams, the team brought experience and leadership for some younger teammates.

“Having Eric has helped the team in many ways,” Cohagan said.

Also, leading the men’s team in familiarity are returnees Colby Nichols and Chad Mann. The two seniors, along with Williams, represent half of what is otherwise a relatively young men’s team.

Nichols said, “No matter what, if we work hard, it will be worth it in the end.”

It has been an exciting season for both teams. While the women prepare themselves for the challenge at the ASC tournament, the men look forward to next season.

No matter the outcome this year, both teams proved to be a force to be reckoned with.

 A roster of such young, strong players should guarantee that the coming years will be filled with excitement.

“I think the more and more I play at this level, I become not only a better player, but a smarter player,” Kunze said. “I find myself concentrating more and learning how to take advantage of my opponent’s weakness.”