The St. Edward’s women’s tennis team has started the season off with a 8-1 record and are currently on an eight match win streak. Having freshmen Kate Malazonia earn Heartland Conference Player of the Week (Feb. 18-24) and taking down nationally ranked Tarleton State, the team has already had much success this so far this season.

Comprised of a large senior class and a strong pair of freshmen, the team is poised to earn a Heartland Conference title this season if they keep up their winning ways. Coming off an impressive 2018 season, the team is looking to follow last season’s top 20 national ranking and a spot in the regional tournament with a Heartland Conference title. Head coach Kendall Brooks expects this season to bring much excitement as the team is not only experienced but determined to leave on a high note.

“We had a great year last year and with almost all team returning, the preparation is already ingrained in them. We have a lot of opportunities to do some really big things this year,” Brooks said. “Our biggest goal is to win a conference championship. We want to give the seniors the opportunity to win a championship in the heartland for the last time that it exists.”

Entering her sixth season as head coach, Brooks is relying on her five seniors’ experience to give them a competitive edge. With a long travel schedule ahead, the team will be on the road extensively in the upcoming weeks. However, Brooks is confident that the team’s experience on the road will prevail and set the tone for the freshmen.

“With such a strong and heavy senior class, we’ve got the experience. Every time they take the court, I feel like we have the advantage of ‘been there, done that.’ They’re really good on the road, they know how to stay in their routines, stay focused, and prepare the right way so I think this group will handle it well.”

A four-year veteran to the program, senior Pao Carpio is currently undefeated in doubles play and 6-2 in singles play. Aware that her time as a Hilltopper will soon come to an end, Carpio is focused on earning a conference title alongside her four-year teammates. She comments on her team’s relentless determination to be the driving force in their quest for a conference title and postseason play.

“We’re a very competitive team. We go out there and compete regardless of weather conditions or when the days aren’t the best. We want to win that conference title. I think it’s our year, and since we are five seniors we all want it. We want to leave a legacy and walk away with that conference title and add that to the amazing senior season.”

The team will travel to San Antonio and take on Hawaii Pacific and Hawaii-Hilo. Later this month, they will make their way to California to continue their preseason schedule.