Despite the rain that intruded on the end of Spring Break, the SHSU tennis team was in Louisiana. The girls were to face McNeese State University Saturday in Lake Charles, but were unable to play due to rain.
Sunday, however, the weather cleared and the squad was able to go ahead with its match with Lamar University in Beaumont. The team dropped its second conference match to the Cardinals 5-2, making them 0-2 thus far in the Southland Conference.
In doubles, Mounia Hassib and Tara Shelander defeated the No. 1 team for Lamar.
However, No. 2 doubles Erika Rudich and Jennifer Pechal and No. 3 doubles Shanna Elias and Shaneen Ludwig both dropped their matches, crediting the Cardinals with the doubles point to start out the match with Lamar leading 1-0.
“Despite the losses, we actually played pretty well in doubles,” Elias said. “We had to make a few adjustments in the doubles since Fati [Benboubker] was unable to play.”
The match then proceeded with singles play.
“We all fought hard this weekend,” Elias said. “We just tried to adjust.”
The squad lost four of the six singles matches. Tara Shelander defeated Catalina Paz in a hard fought match, splitting sets, but coming out on top 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Mounia Hassib defeated Cardinal Elena Korbout 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
That would conclude the wins for SHSU on Sunday. Rudich dropped her match at the No. 3 spot in an incredibly close match, losing in the tiebreaker 6-3, 6-7, 10-7. Pechal lost 6-4, 6-2, Ludwig dropped the number five match 6-1, 6-2, and Elias was defeated 6-1, 6-2.
The girls are not disheartened, however. This weekend, they have three matches at home, and said they are excited about the challenge.
“We always like to play at home, we appreciate the support,” Elias said.
The Kats are scheduled to face off with Nicholls State at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Tarelton State at 2 p.m. On Sunday, the squad will resume play with a match against Southeastern Louisiana University at 10 a.m.
All matches will be played at the SHSU tennis courts located on campus behind the Residence Life building.