HEADLINE: Learning from each other

SUBHEAD: GV tennis competes in Florida for spring break trip

BYLINE: Brendan McMahon

[email protected]

The Grand Valley State student body took some much needed time away from their monotonous daily grind and enjoyed spring break, Saturday, March 4, through Sunday, March 12. For the GVSU women’s tennis team, they were able to mix a little vacation with plenty of tennis.

The Lakers travelled to Orlando, Florida to compete in six matches over break against teams with wavering skill levels and finished with a 4-2 record.

The Lakers began the break by easily beating Marian 9-0. Marian, a Division III school from Wisconsin was no match for the Lakers who are ranked No. 46 in Division II.

Later that same day, the Lakers played Furman, a nationally ranked Division I university. Furman defeated the Lakers 7-0, but the Lakers still believe it was a good learning opportunity.

“Playing them was difficult because they’re all well-conditioned and well-trained tennis players,” said Aimee Moccia. “Overall, it was fun because when you play a team like that there is no pressure because they’re excepted to win so you just go out there and do what you can.”

The following day, Tuesday, March 7, the Lakers took on Mount St. Mary’s, and jumped out to a 3-0 lead after doubles. The Lakers would not let up, with convincing singles wins by Alexa Sweeney and Rachel Sumner, the Lakers went on to win 5-2.

The Lakers took March 8 to relax and enjoy the Florida sun, which is great on the beach, but not so enjoyable during competition.

“Going from paying inside with no elements to going outside and playing in 85 degree heat and 90 percent humidity and the wind and the sun on you, it gets difficult and you get more tired,” Moccia said.

The Lakers were refreshed and right back at it with a double header against Minnesota State University-Mankato and Methodist the next day.

The Lakers beat Minnesota State handily 8-1, and later in the afternoon, rolled Methodist 9-0. The Lakers won nearly every singles competition and did win every doubles competition in those matches.

The Lakers excelled in doubles all week long finishing with a 14-4 record.

The Lakers final match was against Saint Leo University, who is ranked inside the top 10 nationally for Division II. The Lakers were up 2-1 after doubles with wins from Rachel Sumner/Madison Ballard and Abby Perkins/Livia Christman.

Saint Leo responded quickly in singles, winning five of six and ultimately going on to win the match 6-3.

“These were our first matches of the season so we were just getting back into the swing of things,” Moccia said. “We went out there and had fun and played the best we could.”

The Lakers played well over break, especially considering it was the first time they competed since October.

“All of our girls have definitely stepped it up a lot from the fall season,” said Sam Schrepferman. “We played really well over break and it helped us build as a team before regionals.”

The GVSU men’s tennis team also travelled to Orlando and competed in six matches, finishing with a familiar 4-2 record. The Lakers beat Marian, Mount St. Mary’s, Saint Francis, and Chestnut Hill.

It may not have a been a spring break similar to the rest of the student body but it was a great opportunity for both the tennis teams to begin their spring seasons and learn from each other along the way.

“Some of us would prefer to have a whole week off to relax and see family but I actually really enjoyed it because it is a lot of work and it is our first real matches of the spring,” Schrepferman said. “We’re able to support each other and learn from each others performances and gets closer as teams. It makes GVSU tennis whole.”