The Cyclones women’s tennis team had one of their best showings at the NJCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Championship in Tyler, Texas, last month, finishing 21st out of 29 teams. Aubree Schultz (Lincoln-Way West) also finished in fifth place.
Competing among the country’s best is no easy feat. It’s challenging to secure even one win, let alone several. The talented Cyclones had plenty to prove after winning the NJCAA Region IV title in October, which qualified them for nationals.
Moraine Valley Community College women’s tennis player, Aubree Schultz, placed fifth overall at nationals.
To start off their solid run, Hannah Markiewicz (Mother McAuley) at No. 3 singles (6-3, 6-2) and Reagan Cameron (Oak Lawn) at No. 6 (6-4, 6-3) each won their first matches of the tournament. This is Cameron’s first season playing tennis. Schultz, at No. 4 singles, lost her first match 6-2, 6-2, but that was her last losing singles match while in Texas. She paired with Cate Gerl (Lincoln-Way West) at No. 2 doubles that same day and battled through a three-set tiebreaker (1-6, 7-6, 5-7).
In the consolation quarterfinals, Schultz dominated her opponent 8-2 to advance to the semifinals (8-5) and then the consolation finals (8-4) for a fifth place finish overall.
“After I won, I was so proud of myself. When I lost that first match in the NJCAA tournament, I just knew that wasn’t going to be it for me. I have been training all through the spring, playing against the men’s tennis team and training nonstop with my teammates,” Schultz said. “I am beyond thankful that my coaches never gave up on me when competing in this tournament!”
At No. 2 singles, Simona Tomczak (Oak Lawn) narrowly won her consolation quarterfinal 9-8 but fell in the semifinal 1-8 the next day. Tomczak partnered with Erica Chapan (Andrew) at No. 3 doubles and lost their first match (0-6, 0-6), battled for a win in the consolation quarterfinal 9-8 and lost in the semifinal 1-8.
“I am very happy with how we did at nationals. We completely exceeded our expectations. We were projected to finish 26th to 30th, and we ended up placing 21st, which is amazing,” said Assistant Coach Dave Souza. “We had a couple fresh round wins in the main draw, which was awesome as well. We also had Aubree win her consolation bracket and ended up placing fifth, which I believe is our best finish at nationals. It was an extremely fun trip, and I hope we can do it again.”
For complete results, visit https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/079894c0-dc27-4ed3-8a32-12087b22c35f. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
