The West Chester University tennis teams wrapped up their conference play this past week, both with commanding 9-0 wins against Millersville University.
The win captures the PSAC East crown for the women, while the men were able to end their four-match skid and finish the season on a high note.
The women dropped a match back on April 8 against Mercyhurst University at home, 3-6, but were victorious in their last two matches, finishing the season 13-6. In the matchup their Millersville, Clair Uhle and Maddy Shaak led the way like they have all season, capturing wins in both first doubles and the first two single matches. Uhle and Shaak have been the key components to the Rams’ success during the past two years, winning back-to-back PSAC East crowns. Freshman Rylee Power also continued her spectacular rookie campaign, grabbing another victory at third singles.
For the men, it has been a tough stretch. After dropping matches to Mercyhurst (2-7), Edinboro University (0-9) and the University of Delaware (2-7), the Rams were able to pull out one final conference win with the shutout victory against Millersville.
The Rams (5-12) swept both the singles and doubles matches. Tony Diemler led the way for WCU with a huge victory at the third singles. Charlie Rushing earned the victory at first singles to start the Rams off on the right foot.
With the victory over Millersville, the women will receive a first-round bye through the PSAC playoffs, landing them directly in the semifinals. WCU dominated throughout the season, winning all of their conference matches in shutout fashion. Millersville entered the contest in a tie with WCU for the top spot in the PSAC East after going undefeated in the conference as well, making the matchup a battle for the conference title. WCU’s win secured the crown for the second straight season.
Both the men and women’s teams have one more game left in the regular season. For the men, out of conference opponent Bloomfield College will travel to West Chester for a matchup at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 18. This will be the final match for the men since they did not make the playoffs.
For the women, the fun has just begun. They will host one final regular season matchup against Harford Community College on Friday, April 22. After that, the Rams will begin to prepare for postseason play, which will begin on a date after April 26 which has yet to be determined.
AJ Arcaini is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. Contact him at AA788494@wcupa.edu