The St. Edward’s University women’s tennis team competed in the ITA South Central Region Women’s Tennis Tournament at Washburn University this past weekend.

In singles action, sophomore Audrey Tompkins and freshman Paige Rachel passed the first two rounds to play in the round of 16 on Saturday.

Rachel won her first round match against Audrey Hernandez of the University of the Incarnate Word, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. She continued on with a victory over Monika Graff, 6-4, 1-6, 6-0. Rachel was ultimately defeated in the round of 16 by the number one seed Julia Arguello of East Central University.

“I felt that my performance in singles was pretty good since I’m a freshman and I lost to the number one seed,” said Rachel. “I mentally prepared myself knowing that I had nothing to lose going into this tournament as a freshman.”

Tompkins defeated Alyssa Castillo of Washburn University, 6-0, 6-3, and then defeated Carole Julen of Tarleton State University in straight sets 6-1, 6-0. Tompkins was then able to advance past the round of 16 by defeating Laryssa Ferreira of Newman University, but she was defeated by Zuzanna Osinska of Northeastern State University in the quarterfinals.

In doubles action, Tompkins and Rachel passed through to the final four by defeating Mongin and Carver of Abilene Christian University. However, the team was defeated in the next round by Osinska and Spintovic of Northwestern State University.

“I was hoping to get a little bit further in both draws, but I think Paige and I had a pretty good tournament considering it was our first time playing together,” said Tompkins. “There is definitely potential there for better results next year.”

Freshman Heather Brien and junior Elizabeth Jacobi lost in the second round of doubles to the eventual winners.

Head Coach Brenda Niemeyer said she thought her team did very well and had a good showing for the first tournament of the year against such good competition.

“I really liked the fight I saw in my players,” said Niemeyer. “I am looking forward to the rest of the season when we can work together for longer than a week.”

“I feel that this tennis season will be really exciting and successful,” said Rachel. “After spending the weekend with a couple of the girls, I’m really looking forward to the potential we all have as a team.”