The Otterbein women's tennis team season ended last Friday with a 5-2 loss to Ohio Northern in the semifinals of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament in Mason.
The Cardinals finish the year with a record of 13-8 overall and 7-2 in conference play.
The Cardinals scored their only two points in doubles play, with sophomores Brittany Rings and Cheryl Thinnes defeating Jacqueline Sammon and Liz Bajusz 8-6, and sophomore Megan Anders and freshman Kylie Hammons defeating Katie Gibbs and Jacki Hillis 9-8 (7-4).
Sophomores Sarah Jenney and Jena Smith lost to Ashley Yontz and Betsy Brichler 9-7.
"It felt really good to contribute to the team," said Anders. "We wanted it, and we were going to do whatever it took."
The doubles victories gave the Cardinals a 2-1 advantage, but it was erased by four singles losses that gave Ohio Northern University the victory.
Senior Rachel Kerr lost to Liz Bajusz 6-2, 6-3 and senior Lianne Simeone lost to Katie Gibbs 7-5, 1-6, 6-0.
Jenney lost to Jacki Hillis 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 and Smith lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Kristen Timperman.
Both Thinnes and Rings had their singles matches called because their potential wins would not be enough for a team victory.
"We played really well together this year, and it would have been nice to go on," said Anders. "But I'm happy with how it turned out."
The Cardinals entered the tournament with the number two seed. They defeated Wilmington 5-0 in the opening round, before falling to the three-seeded Polar Bears.
The 2007-2008 season started strong with three home wins against Ohio Wesleyan, Oberlin and Wilmington.
The Cardinals gained momentum early in the season with the decisive victories.
During spring break the team traveled to Florida, playing five matches in five days. Otterbein triumphed over Bethel (MN) and Webber (FL). Anders said that the tournament in Florida was a huge help that gave the team the opportunity to bond and experiment with different doubles line-ups.
Upon their return to Otterbein, the women lost two close matches to Mount Union and Baldwin-Wallace. The Cardinals then won seven consecutive matches against OAC opponents.
An injury to senior Shannon Carr's knee caused a shift in the doubles lineup, but the team responded.
"We had to regroup," said Anders. "Doubles is all about [how] you pull your partner up That's how you win matches."
Both sophomores Thinnes and Rings were chosen as the OAC women's tennis player of the week during the season.
Thinnes won 12 straight matches, six singles and six doubles, earning her player of the week April 21.
Rings received the honor earlier in the season for her performance in Florida. She finished 1-1 at first singles and 1-1 at first doubles in the Florida matches. She earned both wins in matches against Luther College (IA).
Anders was very positive about the outcome of the season. "No matter what, we're (t)here to battle."
With the end of the season Otterbein says goodbye to the three seniors, Rachel Kerr, Lianne Simeone and Shannon Carr. However, the Cardinals will be ready next year.
The Cardinals will return many players with lots of tournament experience. The Cardinals return six sophomores, three freshman and Jacalyn Crecelius will be the only senior.
With the incoming freshman recruits, the Cardinals will be in great shape to continue winning. t&c;
