Lady Saints enduring up and down season

By Carla Tagarelli
Photo by Glenn Judah

PHOTO CAPTION: In the absence of Charlotte Sikora, Sandy Maric has stepped into the number two position and posted a 4-3 record.

With a 3-4 overall record and 2-1 conference record, the Lady Saints tennis squad has fallen just behind rival Embry Riddle in the conference standings.

The team endured a difficult loss to Riddle on March 3 in what proved to be their toughest match of the season. The match resulted in a 3-6 loss.

Going into the match, the ladies were determined, hoping to come home with a win and a better conference record.

“No one played well,” Coach Walter Shinn said. “We were a little nervous.” Despite the loss, the team still has high hopes for upcoming matches.

The ladies bounced back after the loss to Embry Riddle to defeat Aquinas College 7-2. The following week the ladies were dealt a 6-3 loss by Brenau.

With Charlotte Sikora still out with a shoulder injury, the team’s top two players have been Viviana Rojas and Sandy Maric.

“We all get along and give 100 percent and that’s what counts. That’s what will make us better,” said Sikora.

Shinn hoped Sikora would be back by the beginning of March, but even with a heavy rehab program her shoulder hasn’t fully recovered. “It’s very, very frustrating,” Sikora said.

Her future is undecided because the physical condition of her arm is vital to her success. Sikora hopes to receive another year of eligibility.

Three more key conference matches remain for the ladies before they head to the regional tournament, April 23-24 in Daytona.