After returning from the winter hiatus, Men’s and Women’s Tennis have made their mark on the green court. Tennis kicked off its season on Feb. 13 at St. Norbert in De Pere, Wisconsin, where they played five matches between both teams. Both teams played against a second university following this kick off, Women’s played against UW-Stevens Point the following evening, while the Men’s began their Saturday against Carroll University.
The women’s team beat St. Norbert 5—2. Double partners senior Chloe Reyes and junior Vanessa Pham, and first-year Gabi Newton and sophomore Emily Dreger won their matches 6—4, while junior Elanna Kohner and senior Christine Muller won 7—5.
In Singles, Kohner, Muller, Dreger and first-year Shayla Draper destroyed the Green Knights. Draper shut out their opponent in her second set, beating St. Norbert junior Madeline Diefenthaler 6—0. After a tough loss against UW-Stevens Point, the Pipers riled themself back up and beat the Carroll University Pioneers 4—3.
The men’s team faced a more difficult time this weekend, but they fought hard. #2 Doubles team sophomore Matthew George and first-year Max Guillard won 6—4; the two young players also won their singles games. Another underclassman, sophomore Wesley Saunders, won his singles match as well.
“We have a great core of young players on the Men’s side and a veteran-laden Women’s team,” Head Men and Women’s Tennis Coach Spencer Jones said, “Wyatt Crowell looks to challenge for [All Conference] Men’s honors and Elanna Kohner is a returning [All Conference] winner for the Women.”
Crowell transferred from North Central in the midst of the 24-25 academic year, where he had previously set a 20-3 Singles and 27-3 Doubles record, the latter of which set a new program record for North Central with a doubles winning percentage of .900.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to compete again after transferring and surgery,” Crowell said via email, “I am excited for the Gustavus and Carlton match as both the opponents I play are nationally ranked and that will give me a good opportunity.”
The said match against Gustavus Adolph us will be happening at InnerCity Tennis on March 28, while Carlton will be 45 miles south of campus in Northfield, MN, on March 7. Despite these early spring matches not being held on campus, both teams and coaching staff highly encourage fellow Pipers to make the trek to cheer on these hardworking teams.
Both Crowell and the previously mentioned Kohner are up for All Conference this spring. Kohner has high hopes for winning it two years in a row.
“And as for this upcoming season, I’m hoping to get it with my actual doubles partner, [Muller] and then getting it in singles as well. I’m hoping to have a better record at three versus last year,” Kohner said.
