Women’s Tennis looks to win ninth straight title

The Wilkes University Women’s Tennis team is on the verge of capturing its ninth consecutive Freedom Conference Championship. The Lady Colonels have had 19 wins in the last three seasons. Currently Wilkes is 9-1 and is ranked 19th in the Atlantic South Region. “The team and I are excited and motivated to play our best so we can hopefully capture the title for the ninth straight year.” Sophomore Kendra Croker said.

March is upon us and for the Lady Colonels it was time to take their talents south to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for their annual spring break trip.  Wilkes came out in style sweeping Central State University 9-0 in the first match. Wilkes won every match while in South Carolina. “Hilton Head was great! We had a couple of tough matches but everyone played really well and had a lot of fun.” Sophomore Alanna Denauski said.

In the second match against Wartburg College, Wilkes earned wins from sophomore standout Kendra Croker at the No. 1 spot, Taylor Hoffmann at the No. 4 spot, Olivia Hewison at the No. 5 spot and Alanna Denauski at the No. 6 spot. Final score of was Wilkes coming out on top 7-2.

The Lady Colonels sailed past Mount Union in their third match in South Carolina beating the Lady Raiders 7-2. Wilkes took four of six singles matches and won all three doubles flights against Mount Union. The four singles winners for Wilkes were Madison Salmon, Taylor Hoffmann, Olivia Hewison, and Alanna Denauski.

In the final match of spring break Wilkes took on St. John Fisher College and defeated the Lady Cardinals 9-0. Singles winners for Wilkes were Croker, English, Salmon, Parker, Stanton, and Markulics. Wilkes also swept St. John Fisher in the three doubles flights. “South Carolina was amazing! We all played incredible tennis and we went undefeated. It was great!” Croker added.

The Wilkes University women’s tennis team had perfect 4-0 record on their spring break trip to South Carolina, bringing the team record to 9-1 for the 2014-2015 season. “With everyone hitting well, we’re expecting to have another great season. Hoping to make another appearance at nationals!” Denauski said. The Lady Colonels have three matches against Lebanon Valley College, Haverford College, and Bloomsburg University before opening Freedom Conference play against Eastern University on April 2, 2015.