After crushing the Daemen Wildcats, 9-0, on Sunday, Mercyhurst University women’s tennis boosts their record up to an extraordinary 13-3.

The Lakers fell one match short of a complete sweep against Daemen on Sunday and are carrying their ferocious momentum onto post-season play.

“Everyone’s hard work and training has led us into having such an impressive season,” said junior Caroline Bristol. “The dedication the team has had, even throughout the winter, has really enabled us to play our best at each of the matches.”

Bristol has been having a spectacular season, having suffered her first singles loss in just shy of an entire year on Monday, April 1. Despite the record-snapping loss, Bristol remains steadfast in her determination to keep helping the Lakers win.
Dave Leisering : The Lakers will begin post-season play after their final regular season match against Edinboro University on Tuesday, April 9.

“Suffering my first loss in a while wasn’t too hard because I have lost to the girl before in a tournament,” said Bristol. “She is the number one girl in the region so it was a very tough match for me.”

Bristol credits the hard work she puts in during the off-season to her incredible season.

“I dedicated myself throughout the offseason, in the summer and winter, which was a major benefit to
remain on the top of my game,” said Bristol. “Also, it is important for me to focus at each and every match and have my head in the game, no matter whom I was playing.”

Coach Jerome Simons knows that the team has been and will continue to put in the necessary work to keep their season alive as they enter post-season play.

“A lot of the girls have put in a lot of time on their own and came into the season ready to play and have improved in each and every match,” said Simons. “All I ask of my players is to come prepared to play each match as it comes, both physically and mentally.”

With the Lakers’ last regular season match quickly approaching, post-season play is right around the corner.

“Our biggest challenges lie ahead in the post season. Here, we get to see how much we have progressed,” said Simons. “It takes a lot of work to be a good tennis player; both mental and physical toughness as well as execution of a game plan.

The Lakers will begin post-season play after their final regular season match against Edinboro University on Tuesday, April 9.

“Our last matches are the most important because we want to finish off the season strong and positive,” said Bristol. “This way we will be ready for postseason play.”