May 15, 2024
Warriors Show Good Form in the First Round of National Championships, Win 4-0
By Francisco Claudio
The Westcliff women's tennis team began their NAIA Tennis Championships campaign on Tuesday afternoon, comfortably taking down Morningside University (Iowa) 4-0.
With the win, the Warriors are right back where they left off last season, in the second round of the national championships.
The No. 10 Warriors have played some of their best tennis since the second half of the regular season which they followed up by winning the GSAC Tennis Tournament.
With another year under their belt, Westcliff has been focused on displaying the best tennis possible this week.
On Tuesday, the Warriors started by winning the doubles point with wins in the #2 and #3 pairs.
Doubles #2 Kanon Sorakubo/Emilse Ruiz felt little resistance from their opponents as they took the set 6-2.
Doubles #3 Shayee Sherif/Lois Tsui dominated their match winning 6-0.
"Shayee and Loïs really stood out today in the doubles," shared assistant coach Mike Longanecker. "I think they played about as perfect as it can get and they really impressed me today with their teamwork and high intensity."
Both Sherif and Tsui have been success stories for the Warriors this season. Sherif came back from a big injury and was able to shake off the rust and play at a high level when the team needed it the most.
Tsui has been the ultimate team player, willing to sacrifice and adapt to what and where the team needed her at specific times.
Singles #5 Alessia Radu won her match in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, and continues to be one of the most reliable players on the team.
Singles #6 Justina Haver Chang won 6-2, 6-1. It took Chang a little bit to find her place in the team and to get accustomed to playing at this level in the NAIA, but once she settled, putting her in the lineup was a must.
Lastly, singles #3 Sorakubo took care of business winning 6-0, 6-4 to hand the Warriors the win and a ticket to the second round.
Longanecker was happy with the way the team performed on the first day after some rough conditions leading up to the championships.
"The rainy conditions this week made it hard to get in regular practice, so I think just about everyone in the tournament started today a little slow," Longanecker said. "We did a great job of adapting to the sudden hot and humid environment though and got an early lead in all the singles matches.
"The balls were really flying today in the climate, but they did a great job adjusting and really showed they came here to win."
Up next, the Warriors will play Southeastern (Florida) on Wednesday, with a start time scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PST.