By Katrina Kowitz, Staff Writer
Newman’s men’s and women’s tennis teams have both finished their fall seasons strong. During their final competition of the fall season last week at Newman, both teams swept Sterling College. In doubles, each Jets pair won its match.
Among the strong performers for the men was senior Ali Mounir, who played singles and sent the first match into a tie break before winning 7(8)-7(6). In the second set, he won 6-2.
Mounir is from Cairo, Egypt, and is ranked No. 1 in singles and No.1 in doubles at Newman. Mounir said he wants to be a good example for his teammates and is trying to decide if he wants to go pro after this season.
“I just want to enjoy this last year and try to be better than last year,” Mounir said.
In doubles vs. Sterling, the women’s team was able to win all of its matches 6-0. Senior Dana Issabayeva won her singles match 6-0 and 6-2 with ease. Sophomore Luna Feellon won her sets with a dominant performance 6-0. And freshman Luciana Flores Urey won both of her matches 6-1 and 6-0.
Issabayeva is from Kazakhstan and is ranked No.1 in singles at Newman. She said she wants this year to be her best since she’s a senior.
“I will try my best to win all my matches,” she said.
The fall season also saw the Jets bounce back and find success at the ITA Central Regional Championship in Topeka last month. For the first time in over a decade, Newman had a doubles team in the semifinals. The team was made up of senior Ana Zeikidze and junior Mariana Jimenez.
Head coach Brady Matthews, who is in his first year with the Jets, said that he was proud of how everyone worked after the ITA regionals.
“After having some tough, close losses the week prior to regionals and to be able to turn around and reach this accomplishment is something the girls should be proud of,” Matthews said.
Now, the team heads into the off season and will begin getting ready for spring and the goal of winning the MIAA Conference championship.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
