Even with all the constant changes due to the pandemic, Westmont’s men’s and women’s tennis teams have had a promising season. 

The women’s team, who are 6-9 overall and 4-4 in Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) play, and the men’s team, who are 4-7 overall and 2-4 in GSAC, hosted Hope International University last Friday. 

The women defeated the Royals 7-0, which was very positive as they approach the upcoming GSAC championships. Some notable results came from the doubles matches that were both in the Warriors’ favor. In the first doubles match, fourth-year Cade Pierson and third-year Rachal Jackson won 6-4 over the Royals. Additionally, second-year Christine Hemry and third-year Sidney Lowry assisted in the sweep by securing a 6-1 win.

The men also swept the Royals, 7-0. This was an important game for the Warriors, not only because of the motivation it would give the players going into the GSAC Championship tournament, but also because it was fourth-year Matt Alleman’s senior day. As the captain and only senior on the team, his leadership has majorly impacted the other players.

First-year Ethan Ha commented on Alleman’s positive influence on the team.

“Matt stood out the most during the match because it was his senior day! [Matt] played super well!”

Alleman competed with first-year Callen Hein in a doubles match, defeating the Royals 6-0. Another worthy performance came from the singles matches when second-year Sebastian Vethan beat his opponent. 

All of this success gives the Warriors a positive mindset as they go into the GSAC tournament in San Diego. 

“We are looking forward to playing a tough opponent this week and giving our best,” Ha included. 

This week, both the men’s and women’s tennis teams will take on Arizona Christian University in the first round of the GSAC championship, hoping for success as the season dwindles down. If they beat Arizona Christian, they will take on San Diego Christian in the semi-finals. The Warriors have won the conference tournament three times in program history — in 1996, 1997 and 2017 — and hope to get past the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.

The GSAC tournament will go from April 19-22 in San Diego, California, and the Warriors compete first on Monday, April 19.