The Marshall University women’s tennis team started their spring season at the MLK Invitational this past weekend at Indiana University. All six girls competed at the event going up against Northern Illinois, Marquette, Wright State, DePaul and Indiana.

Freshman Jutte Van Hansewyck and Sophomore Madi Ballow went two days of event being undefeated in singles rounds, and Van Hansewyck said she was ready to get back on the court. 

“I felt prepared,” Van Hansewyck said. “During the break, I practiced a lot and played in tournaments, so I felt great and was excited to play.”

The match lasted three days, starting the first round off with 3-3 in doubles and 4-3 in singles rounds. Four of the six girls won their singles matches. 

Van Hansewyck defeated her opponent from NIU, scoring 6-3, 6-4. Ballow defeated her opponent from Indiana 7-5, 6-3. Sophomore Liz Stefancic defeated her opponent from Marquette 3-6, 7-6, 1-0, and senior Daniela Dankanych defeated her opponent from Indiana 6-0, 7-5. 

On the second day, the team was 4-4 in singles rounds and 4-2 in doubles rounds with the remaining three and four in double rounds. 

 Van Hansewyck defeated her opponent from NIU 4-6, 6-2, 10-8. Ballow got another win in singles against Wright State 7-6, 6-0.

Finishing off the final day, Stefancic and Freshman Kara Joseph won rounds five and six in doubles rounds. In round five, the Herd defeated NIU with the score of 6-1. Finally, in round six, the Herd defeated Indiana with a score of 6-4. Coach John Mercer said the group is different from previous years, but he is optimistic about the season.

“A big difference compared to last year when we had four freshmen in the lineup,” he said. “They’re walking out on the court competing at that level against BIG 10 schools, so I know they can do it and be confident in doing it.”

The Thundering Herd will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Wright State. The match begins at 2:30 p.m.

Stormy Randazzo can be contacted at [email protected].