Kristen Williams/The Lion’s Roar
Following the losses of the past month, the Lady Lions fell to the University of the Incarnate Word during Super Lion Saturday at the Southeastern Tennis Complex, bringing the team’s overall record to 3-12.
Although the team is short handed with juniors Ceci Mercier and Dalina Dahlmans out on injuries which may leave them out all season, they continued to fight through every game.
“My team is a great team and no matter what, no one can take that away from us,” said Dahlmans. “We keep working hard and that is all we can do. Everyone played as hard as they could even though we did not win and all we can do is keep working until we win.”
Leveling the playing field, juniors Madina Vorotnikova and Fleur Holtkamp finished with 2-0 record with victory in doubles play. However, that was not enough to have the Lady Lions score catch up to Incarnate Word.
Despite recent games, not one loss has taken away the drive for the Lady Lions to win or has taken spirit from any of the players.
“Overall, this was a tough match as well as the past few and we continued to play hard,” said junior Natalie Duran. “I always run and watch my footwork to make sure I am in a good position. I try to keep focus and not think about the score and just play. Sometimes things just do not work out for us but we never give up and that is what makes us who we are as a team.”
With the continuous losses, the team has yet to lose morale. The players felt that the loss on Mar. 28 and this one were still well fought games that they fell short in.
Head Coach Jason Hayes is still optimistic for the Lady Lions future success as a team coming together on the court.
“We have a lot of fight,” said Hayes. “They play hard. We just make too many mistakes. The problem is this season we have been up against some really good teams either equal to or better than us. They have scholarship players just like us that have to fight.”
When asked about the loss, it was certain that his faith in the team remained the same regardless the score or the outcome.
“We have really been playing hard and they have so much pride in what they do,” said Hayes. “When we make as many mistakes it’s difficult to beat a team equal to or better than us.”
Hayes also explained how proud he is of the Lady Lion’s ability to push through a difficult season.
“Not once has their effort been 99 percent, it’s always 100 and that is amazing,” said Hayes. “I’m not mad. I’m disappointed. If anyone knows, I know how hard these girls work. It’s disappointing because of the amount of talent we have. I know that we can do this.”
Hayes thinks that support from the fans is necessary. The Lady Lions continue their season this week with a game against Alcorn State today at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern Tennis Complex.