Caitlin Dorsch ~ Copy Desk Chief
Lilli Altenburg is getting into position in her singles match on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Photo retrieved from the University of Lynchburg Sports Website. Credit to Joe Hutzler and senior photographer Hannah Grasberger.
On Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, the University of Lynchburg (UofL) Women’s Tennis team lost their first match as a team this season against the Cougars of Averett University by a score of 5 to 4. This tight score means that the Hornet players defeated the Cougar players in four matches but losing five. At no. 3 doubles, seniors Reagan Coon and Lilli Altenburg won by a score of 8-2. Coon and Altenburg also won by a score of 6-0, 6-0 in their respective singles matches as well. At no. 4 singles, freshman Alissa Anderson, won a close and hard-fought match by a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
In reaction to this loss, Altenburg noted that the mentality of the team has not wavered since the loss this past weekend. She stated, “The mental and physical strength of our team as well as the bonds we have with one another is extremely important to our program.”
Sophomore Ellen Druebbisch also said, “Our line-up has been very successful this season so far and I think that’s because we are so deep. We have a lot of players at similar levels and this gives us a lot of strength, especially in the bottom three singles spots. We have also been working a lot on doubles and have been successful in those matches as well.
Druebbisch continued, “We have three seniors this year that are great leaders and I think they have developed the culture of Lynchburg Tennis over the years they have been here. We support each other through every match and at practice. Coach Johnson has also created a culture of working hard and fighting through every point which makes us very competitive overall.”
The UofL Hornets continue their regular season campaign Saturday (March 23rd, 2019) away against Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA at 1 p.m., Sunday (March 31st, 2019) away at Emory & Henry College at 1:30 p.m., and Tuesday (April 2nd, 2019) away at Washington and Lee University at 4 p.m. The team’s next home game will be their Code Red Match against Virginia Wesleyan University at the tennis courts below Wake Fieldhouse at 3:30 p.m..