On Saturday, Feb. 18th, the women’s tennis team traveled to Washington D.C. to take on Howard University. While the team lost, 4-2, the Wildcats still played a strong match. 

Due to delays on I-95 caused by a truck accident, the team arrived with little time to warm up, and without enough time to compete in doubles, leaving the result of this match-up to rely solely on singles play. 

With the No.2 seed, Maggie Gehrig, being out with an injury until spring break, players were all moved up a spot in the competition. This change in position allowed for senior Amanda Rivera-González to step in with a win for her team.

Junior Bella Steffen stepped up to the play in the No.4 spot during this match. Although she ultimately lost, head coach Steve Reiniger applauded Steffen, stating that she had an amazing match. 

Reiniger also expressed that, had this competition been in a previous season, it might have been a tougher battle, but Steffen has been working hard this season to improve her game, and the work is truly proving well. 

In addition to Steffen having a great match, No. 5, Caitlin Fisher and No. 6, Rivera-Gonzálezboth won their matches against Howard. 

“[Rivera-González is] playing the best she has ever played,” said Reiniger. Her win against Emnet Simunyola was one of the two wins this weekend, emphasizing that Rivera-González is a growing force on the court.

The other Wildcats lost their matches. 

“Everyone needs to play their best tennis in order to stay competitive,” said Reiniger.

With Gehrig out until spring break, the team needs to play to its best ability in order to prepare for their Big East matches during spring break against Creighton on March 7 and Butler on March 10. 

But, before looking towards the Big East, the Wildcats have a packed week ahead as they take on UPenn Wednesday, Feb. 22, St. John’s Friday, Feb. 24 and a double header against Brown and Providence on Saturday, Feb 25.