Sports Information photo: Senior Kim Ezzo led the Lakers to another strong season, finishing the season with an 18-6 overall record.Every athlete loves playoffs. It’s that time of the year when you know exactly what is at stake. Win and keep playing, or lose and the season abruptly ends with disappointment.

Unfortunately for women’s tennis, it ended in disappointment last week.

They were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA playoffs by national powerhouse California (Pa.) by a score of 6-0.

The loss was even more depressing for graduating seniors Kelton Macke and Kim Ezzo, as it ends their Mercyhurst tennis careers.

Macke, though, leaves with a lot of good memories.

“This was one of our best seasons,” said Macke. “The highlight was definitely beating IUP in a five-hour tennis match. Three of us went to (the third) set for singles and pulled it out with the win.”

The lowlight, said Macke, was missing the PSAC tournament and then losing in the NCAA’s to the first-seeded Vulcans.

The Lakers ended their season with a record of 18-6 and will now be preparing for next year.

Macke believes she has benefited from being part of the tennis program and recommends it.

“I feel my coach and teammates have been a great help not only on the court but more importantly off the court. Creating a strong bond between teammates has benefited me both as an athlete and as a student,” Macke said.