Metro drops opener

Written by Enrico Dominguez
(edoming2@mscd.edu)

The Metro women’s tennis team dropped their spring opener match 7-0 Feb. 13 against the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Although the team was unable to come out with a win, they showed plenty of heart and a positive attitude during the match.

“We weren’t expected to win the match,” head coach Beck Meares said. “I told the girls not to think about winning, but just giving it their best.”

Sophomore Alexis Alvarez won the only set late in the match. In doubles, sophomore Mandy Bowling and junior Mitra Hirad tag-teamed against top-ranked division I doubles, Katrina Eromin and Erlyn Rudico. Although they lost, they showed they aren’t intimidated by anyone, and are a force to be reckoned with whenever they step foot on the court. During the entire match, not one of the girls was slightly fatigued.

“Beck runs us like you wouldn’t believe,” junior April Hirad said. “Two nights a week practice goes till midnight. Playing two matches in a few hours better not faze us.”

Not only were they undeterred, but the hard work the girls are putting in and the commitment they are upholding, looks to be rewarded in the very near future. Meares has high hopes for her team this season.

“Get to the RMAC final,” Meares said on the team’s goals. “Place in the top three of the conference tournament, and make it to the regional tournament.”

This is well within reason, considering all of the girls are seasoned veterans within the program. Meares believes if the team keeps going the way they are, they will definitely reach their goals.
“This is the best we’ve come in at the beginning of the season,” Meares said. “They are hitting the ball well and everyone is on the same page. As long as we’re working together, and playing as a team and not just individuals out there, it will all come together.”