Playing at home last Friday, the men’s tennis team defeated Metro State 5-0 in the NCAA North Central Regional finals. Washburn’s victory propelled them into the national tournament (NCAA round of 16) in Altamonte Springs, Fla., when it matches up against Hawaii Pacific on May 9. Washburn is currently ranked No. 26 and has a record of 18-2.

“Down in Florida, doubles play will definitely be the most important part for us,” said Drew Hanson, Washburn sophomore. “If you can get off to a 3-0 or 2-1 lead in doubles, it definitely takes some pressure off of you in the singles matches.”

Washburn followed Hanson’s theory as they swept through the doubles matches to go up 3-0 against Metro State. Hanson teamed up with Ryan Ward, freshman, as the duo easily defeated Metro State’s Sean Carlton and David Scott, 8-1.

“It was a really important match for us, we came out fired up and ready to win today,” said Hanson. “We knew we only had to win one to go to nationals.”

Hanson came out on point for his singles match against Riley Meyer, defeating him in straight sets 6-1, 7-6. As a team, this was Washburn’s fourth point of the day. Nathan Martin, junior, put the finishing touches on Washburn’s perfect day by defeating Drew Machholtz 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the Ichabods 5-0 victory, keeping their title aspirations alive for another week.

“Emporia State seemed a little shell-shocked with how the guys came out and played against them yesterday,” said Jennifer Hastert, Washburn head tennis coach. “They were ready to go and not overlook anybody today. We need to do a lot of things well to win in Florida. Every team we play down there is going to be tough, so we have to have one through six all having a good day.”

The Washburn Lady Blues tennis team was defeated in NCAA Regional play by the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats Friday 5-3.

Ranked No. 1 in the North Central region, Washburn fell behind in doubles play 2-1, but Diana Goldsmith, Washburn junior and MIAA MVP, easily defeated the Bearcats’ Emily Lindsay 6-0, 6-0. Goldsmith hasn’t lost since last fall and finished the year with a 25-1 record in singles play. Julie Huyberechts, Washburn senior, put the Lady Blues back in front 3-2, as she defeated Carolina Amaral 6-0, 6-2.

“Up to this point the whole team has been doing so well, said Goldsmith. “I think that we had a great season, the girls told me they felt positive about how things went this year.”

The Bearcats finished strong taking the next three singles matches to earn the hard fought 5-3 victory. Washburn finished the season with a 20-2 record.

“The girls went out tired and a little stressed,” said Hastert. “They had to take their finals early this week and I don’t know if their minds were completely out here. I have to credit Northwest because they really played tough.”