The Women’s and Men’s Washburn Tennis teams started their season out at the Emporia State Invitational this past weekend, Sept. 4-5.

Washburn Women’s tennis brought eight singles teams and four doubles teams which included Laura Shkembi, Jodie Blackim, Jennifer Krause, Holly Johnston, Ally Burr, Whitney Holloman, Ashlynn Sutton and Gwen Shepler.

Starting off with women’s in the singles competition, with Shkembi claiming first place against Rodriguez from UNK with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 10-6.  Along with Shkembi, Sutton also clamied a first place finish against Fujoka from TC with scores of 6-0 and 6-1.

Along with the women’s singles, the doubles competed in the tournament. All of the players that played singles also play doubles.

“This weekend brought our new team closer together. This was just a stepping stone leading into our upcoming season. I think that this weekend was a good indicator that we are a new and improved team, that we are ready to continue to train hard for the spring season. We are all extremely excited for what this year has in store for us,” stated Sutton.

Washburn Men’s tennis also brought eight singles teams and four doubles teams which included Matt Barlow, Aleja Valarezo Plaza, Will Agritelley, Blake Hunter, Zach Hampton, Brett White, Dario Munoz-Poletti, and David Clausen.

Kicking off the tournament in the singles competition was Barlow and Plaza taking 1st place with Barlow’s scores of 6-0, 6-4 and Plaza’s scores of 6-4, 6-1. Also, taking 1st place was Hunter with scores of 6-2, 6-1 and Poletti with scores of 6-2, 6-1.

Along with the singles team, the doubles competition claimed three 1st place finishes by Plaza/Hunter with scores of 8-2, Barlow/Hampton with scores of 8-2 and Poletti/Clausen with scores of 8-5.  Washburn also claimed one 1st place finish in the finals by Poletti/Clausen with a score of 8-2.

“It was a great start to the fall season.  The five freshmen bods got their first look at what college tennis is all about.  Freshman Alejandro Plaza and returner Blake Hunter played some outstanding tennis, making it to the semifinals of their singles brackets, and also to the A bracket doubles final,” said Matthew Barlow.

The boys and girls tennis seasons will continue with the all day Baker Invitational Sept. 11-12 in Topeka and Lawrence.