The Fort Hays State University tennis team took part in the Bethany Tournament this Friday and Saturday in Lindsborg. The Tigers came away with two consolation finals.
Sophomore Kayla Jarvis won the consolation finals for No. 3 singles, beating Diana Barnes from Oklahoma Baptist University with a score of 8-4. Sophomores Valerie Harris and Brittney Shea partnered to win consolation in the No. 2 doubles bracket in a tiebreaker over Lowery and Thomas of Seward County Community College with a score of 7-6.
In No. 1 singles, freshman Melissa Skovira lost in straight sets of her semifinal match to Paola Costa of OBU. In No. 2 singles, sophomore Kelsey Bigando also lost in straight sets to Gabashuili of SCCC.
“I thought we performed very well,” said Brian Flax. “We had two players get to the semifinals of their brackets, which is quite an accomplishment, so overall I was pleased.”
The Tigers are a combined 15-12 in singles with eight players and a combined 8-4 in doubles play. Statistics show a better overall record in doubles competition rather than singles, yet Flax still sees singles as the team’s strength.
“I think right now we’re a little bit ahead in singles,” said Flax. “Doubles seems to take a little more time for them to work together, but we’re hoping to improve more as the season progresses. “
Even with some early success, Flax still sees some room for improvement, mostly involving fundamentals and technique.
“We always work on our footwork,” Flax said. “Sometimes we get a little lazy with our feet, so that’s something we need to work on.”
The Tigers will travel to Lakewood, Colo., on Thursday to play Colorado Christian College at 4 p.m. Then they will have matches against Colorado State University-Pueblo at 10:30 a.m and Mesa State University at 2 p.m.
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