The women’s tennis team swung into action this weekend with back-to-back home wins against Northeastern State and Central Oklahoma on April 5 and 6.

The team pulled a tight 4-3 win over Northeastern State. They came out fighting in the doubles round, winning two out of three matches. Senior Alexis Czapinski and junior Logan Morrissey took the No. 1 slot 6-4. In the No. 2 spot, junior Jacqueline Engelbrecht and freshman Svea Crohn defeated their Riverhawk opponents 6-4 as well.

On the singles side, sophomore Maria Soler Valverde kept her composure through a high-pressure match, ending 6-1, 6-3. Crohn managed to steal the No. 5 victory 6-3, 6-2. In the final No. 6 spot, junior Madison Lysaught fought through a grueling, back-and-forth match for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 win.

The victory marks the first time the Ichabods have been able to defeat Northeastern.

“It went great,” said senior McKenna Gonzales. “It’s exciting, watching how well they’re doing. Everyone fought for every point today.”

On April 7, the women’s team celebrated their senior players before the match. Gonzales, Engelbrecht, Czapinski and Ally Burr were recognized.

“I’m not going to miss waking up early for weights, but the fun that we have while we travel and play together,” Burr said. “I’ve been very reflective lately about getting the opportunity to play. Not everyone gets the chance to do this and I’m so grateful for getting to be part of the ride.”

The women went on to bring down Central Oklahoma 4-3. The doubles point was lost in the first rounds, with only the No. 1 team of Czapinski and Morrissey bringing home a 6-3, 6-2 victory.

Czapinski went on to win her singles match in twin 6-2, 6-2 sets. Soler Valverde battled through a tight 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 match to claim the No. 4 spot. Crohn took down the No. 5 slot 6-2, 6-2 and Lysaught brought home the final victory 6-3, 6-2.

The wins leave the Ichabods with a stunning 17-1 season record.

“Seeing our program go from finishing next-to-last in the conference to being undefeated in the conference now is incredible,” Burr said. “It wasn’t an overnight thing; we put in the time. I’m so proud of everyone and of this school.”

The women are now 7-0 in conference matches and are looking to continue their success through the end of the season.   

“I think it’s our energy,” Burr said. “We support each other from every court and even off the court. It’s unparalleled. No other team does it like we do. It really sets us apart.”