This past week saw Seattle University’s tennis teams pick up big wins in what have been up and down seasons for the programs.
The women’s team picked up the win in Boise by defeating Weber State 5-2. It was just their second win of the season, but a convincing one for a team looking for some life. Juniors Michelle Lui and Madison Maloney earned victories in singles, with Lui winning in consecutive sets, 6-3 and 6-1. It took Maloney three sets to earn her victory. Another bright spot is freshman Kali McCollister, who earned a singles victory 7-6, 6-4.
The young guns have been playing well for the Redhawks, with McCollister and freshman Caroline Maltby shining. Maltby won WAC Tennis Athlete of the Week at the end of January.
The team also won three doubles matches, a season high.
“Just a great team effort today. So proud of the girls fight and grit,” said women’s and men’s head coach Adam Reeb. “Our doubles energy was again very good across the board and that set the tone for the singles.
Every girl battled in singles and left everything they had on the court. I’m proud of the way we committed to playing to win. This one feels good and is something we’ll enjoy and then need to build on.”
On the men’s side, they played at the tennis center at Sandpoint, defeating Pacific Lutheran 6-1. It continued a hot streak that has seen them win four out of their last six matches after dropping the first four of the season.
Senior John Stormans and junior Matt Alderson were dominant, winning their matches 6-1, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-0, respectively.
“It was good to get another home win this afternoon,” Reeb said. “The guys played well across the board and played another pretty complete match. We’re at home again next weekend so we’re looking forward to hopefully getting healthier and competing again next weekend.”
The men’s team’s recent success can be attributed to the team working hard and getting healthy. In addition, wins can help build confidence, and when they are playing with confidence they are hard to stop.
Sophomore Jeremiah Kalmus is an example of this, winning WAC Tennis Athlete of the Week two weeks ago. That was followed by Maltby’s win, giving the Redhawks back to back Athlete of the Week Awards for tennis, an accomplishment that should not be overlooked.
The women’s team plays away at Gonzaga on Feb. 11 and the men’s team next plays Portland State at the Tennis Center at Sandpoint, followed by a match the day after against Linfield.
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