Senior Dalina Dahlmans won the final three out of her four matches as a Lady Lion. File Photo/The Lion's Roar
Members of the tennis team looked back at their final games of the 2017-18 season this weekend against Lamar University and Sam Houston State University and how the season has been overall.
On Saturday, April 14, the Lady Lions were matched up against Lamar after a three-hour rain delay. The team fell short with a 4-2 loss. The 6-1 loss to Sam Houston meant the team finished their season with an overall record of 6-14.
Senior Dalina Dahlmans expressed that “it was a tight match against Lamar.” Dahlmans explained how she managed the wins in both her singles and doubles play.
“I played my heart out this weekend,” said Dahlmans. “I won three out of the last four matches, and I can’t be more proud of myself. I really wanted to win my very last college tennis match, and I did.”
Head Coach Jason Hayes explained how Dahlmans performed on her last weekend as a part of the university tennis team.
“Dalina had a great weekend to close out her career,” said Hayes. “Going 2-0 in singles was great for her.”
The game against Lamar also saw the debut of the pairing of seniors Dany Raygadas and Madina Vorotnikova. Raygadas explained how the game score came down to closing opportunities and how maintaining focus throughout the whole match can make a difference.
“The fight and effort were there, but we have to learn to play smarter,” said Raygadas.
Hayes reflected on the team’s finish to the season this past weekend and explained that it was good for the freshmen to have played in both matches this weekend.
“It was a tough weekend,” said Hayes. “We needed to win both matches, and we just couldn’t get it done. The effort is always there. This group always fights and plays their hearts out, and because of that, we always have a chance. We had so many close matches, and this weekend was no different. It’s disappointing because we have worked so hard, and to fall short of our goals hurts.”
Looking back on the season, Hayes explained how the team’s dynamic transferred from court to everyday play and how he hopes the legacy of the seniors will continue.
“It’s a close group, and we had many a laughs this year,” said Hayes. “Our seniors played hard and always represented Southeastern with class, so next season will be about replacing them and continuing to push for the conference tournament.”
Raygadas explained that as a team, “we always give our best and fight for each other and the team,” and that the season came with struggles throughout the season.
“I think we struggled in not taking advantage of opportunities during key moments,” said Raygadas. “We had two tough 4-3 losses that didn’t go our way, and if that wouldn’t have been the case, we would have had a completely different season. The team just has to learn from this and know that on those matches determination and staying focus on your game are both very important.”
Dahlmans believes the teamwork has evolved throughout the season and explained how she felt about the overall outcome.
“The teamwork couldn’t have been any better,” said Dahlmans. “We are so close as a team on and off the court, and despite losing four seniors this year, the freshmen soon to be sophomores can teach the values we carry in our team to the incoming freshmen. Overall, the season did not end up how we wanted it to be, but everyone on the team did their best and had the greatest attitude, and that’s what matters.”
