ABILENE, Tex. - The Austin College Women's Tennis Team opened their Spring 2016 season with a 6-3 loss of the road at Hardin-Simmons University.
The doubles competition was unlike anything Austin College had played before, with all three duos struggling to move vertically into the court and finish at the net. But the 3-0 deficit would not deter the 'Roos from fighting their way to a competitive result.
After going winless in singles competition in the fall, Kirsten Weber got her first win as an Austin College Kangaroo at Line 1 Singles over the 15th-seeded player in the ITA Fall Southwest Regional Championship, Michaela Ellison, 6-1, 6-3.
Grace Ortiz blitzed her opponent in the first set of Line 2 Singles 6-1, but the HSU Cowgirl was able to find her passing shots and close out sets 2 and 3 for a 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over the stellar sophomore.
Meghan White made her final Spring Season debut as a Senior, and rallied against a tough opponent to win 7-5, 7-5.
Kate Willis rolled to a 6-2 first set lead over her opponent, but the Hardin-Simmons Line 5 player made it difficult for Kate to get the final set, forcing the match into a tiebreaker. Final score of the match was 6-2, 7-6 (4).
The Austin College Women's Tennis Team returns to action thia afternoon against Howard Payne University at 3:30 PM on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University.
Hardin-Simmons 6, Austin College 3
Abilene, TX
Hardin-Simmons Tennis Complex
2/6/2016
Singles
1. Kristen Weber (AC) def. Michaela Ellison, 6-1, 6-3
2. Jenna Smith (HSU) def. Grace Ortiz, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2
3. Meghan White (AC) def. Sabra Zullo, 7-5, 7-5
4. Jasmine Briant (HSU) def. Carlye Lide, 6-2, 6-3
5. Kate Willis (AC) def. Kacie Berutti, 6-2, 7-6 (8-5)
6. Megan Carlson (HSU) def. Magen Green, 6-3, 6-2
Doubles
1. Jenna Smith/Hannah Smith (HSU) def. Ortiz/Weber, 8-2
2. Shayne Cook/Michaela Ellison (HSU) def. White/Lide, 8-1
3. Briant/Megan Carlson (HSU) def. Willis/Green, 8-2
Match Notes
Austin College: 0-1 (0-0)
Hardin-Simmons University: 2-2 (1-2)
Order of Finish: Doubles (2, 3, 1); Singles (4, 1, 2, 3, 6, 5)