Both the Ashland University men and women’s tennis teams open their fall seasons with wins against the Mount Union University Purple Raiders.
The teams competed against the Raiders on Saturday Sept. 28 in Raiders territory in Alliance, OH.
Both the men and women made 7-0 decisions against the Purple Raiders, opening their seasons with a clean sweep.
“The season opener went as planned. We needed a positive boost to begin the season, and this match provided just that,” Head Tennis Coach Eric Gibson said, “Now our attention shifts to the upcoming slate of three challenging dual matches to conclude our non-championship fall tennis season.”
On the women’s side, junior Ana Penteado defeated Purple Raiders Amelia Franciso (6-2, 6-4), coming out on top for women’s singles matches.
“I’m focused and excited to continuing to grow and build incredible moments with my teammates,” Penteado said.
Following behind her, teammates sophomore Luciana Ottoni defeated Purple Raiders Abby Franks (6-1, 6-2) and freshman Maria Jemio defeated Purple Raiders Emily Peel (6-1, 6-2), getting the following second and third placings.
Not only did Penteado place first in doubles, but singles as well alongside teammate junior Constanza Arancibia defeating doubles duo Purple Raiders Francisco and Franks (6-2). Penteado finds that her and doubles partner Arancibia have high hopes for their future together after this performance.
“We understand each other’s game really well, which makes everything feel natural,” Penteado said. “Coni and I definitely have our sights set on being ranked again this year. We know it’s not going to come easy, but we’re ready to put in the hard work and push each other every step of the way.”
Coming behind Penteado and Arancibia were doubles duos sophomore Brittany Witsken and junior Anna Corbel defeating Purple Raiders Borchert and Peel (6-1) and Jemio and sophomore Evie Pryor defeating Purple Raiders Bancroft and Lohnes (6-3).
On the men’s side, sophomore Ryohei Miyake came out on top by defeating Purple Raiders Elliot Warner (6-1, 6-1) in singles.
“Both Ryohei and Ana did excellent jobs at the top of the lineup for this first match. Both players had amazing energy, and their determination was a huge factor that helped bring together the entire team to a resounding victory,” Gibson said.
Following Miyake were teammates sophomore Doug Cree defeating Purple Raiders Sziraky (6-3, 6-1) and senior Fabian Bussard defeating Purple Raiders Timonere (6-0, 6-0).
In doubles, Bussard and freshman Bernardo Duarte defeated Purple Raiders Warner and Sziraky (6-4).
Following behind them were Miyake and junior Reid Opel defeating Purple Raiders Timonere and Fisher (6-1) and junior Benedikt Weinboermer and junior Gabriel Seminario defeating Purple Raiders Deland and Fink (6-0).
The Eagles will continue their season playing against Lawerence Tech on Sunday Oct. 6, Lake Superior State on Saturday Oct. 12, and Seton Hill on Sunday Oct. 13 – all home.