Although the University of Texas-Pan American women’s tennis team has a 2-13 record this season, members are eager to conclude the season at the Great West Conference Tournament, which will take place from April 30 to May 2 in Grand Folks, N.D.
“It’s not about what happens in the regular season. It’s not about the wins and losses, if we win that’s great,” head coach Chris Taylor said. “But losses were okay as long as we got better.”
The Lady Broncs wrapped up the regular season picking up a 7-0 win against Prairie View A&M Saturday and lost 6-0 against Louisiana-Monroe Sunday.
In the singles against Prairie View A&M Luisa Cantu, a senior, defeated Melissa Gerrier (6-4, 6-1). That same day, senior Nina Ciric won 6-2, 6-2 and 6-0, 6-2 against Lerado Ndlovu and Alejandra Barrea respectively. Sophomores Reetta Raty and Andrea Salvetova defeated Margaret Berry and Lise Karenzie each. Senior Sarah Burton won by default.
The Lady Broncs also won all the doubles against the Panthers.
Sunday was another story as they lost all matches against Louisiana-Monroe. Claire Clark defeated Cantu 6-2, 6-2 and Ciric fell 6-4, 6-2 to Lena Stage. Bedeau lost against Monika Winkel the same way Raty was overcame by Vivian Polak. Salvetova and Burton both lost against Burjaili and Sydney Bruscato.
“Last weekend’s matches were good practice for the (conference) tournament,” Raty said. “WE played two totally different teams and even though we lost on Sunday we all played some good tennis.”
Taylor stressed that the real objective for the team is to succeed at the conference championship, which will be hosted by the University of North Dakota.
“Our goal starts April 30th when we go up to North Dakota,” he said. “That’s been the goal all year… to work hard in practice work hard on the matches and try not to focus too much on the wins and losses but just get better and get ready for the conference tournament.”
For players like Raty, the tournament is something to look forward to because it will be the first time the team will contest for a conference championship and the last time the group will play together.
“This is our first conference tournament for all the girls, so of course I’m excited and kind of nervous at the same time,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure all the girls are  are since it’s our last road trip and tournament together.”