St. Mary's University Men's and Women's Tennis teams finished fifth in the South Central region as per the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's final rankings. This marks a notable achievement for the men's team, the highest ranking since the 2021-22 season, while the women's team has consistently ranked in the top five for 12 of the last 14 years. Director of Tennis Bill Macom credited their age and competitiveness despite injuries affecting key players throughout the season. Both teams are optimistic about returning to the national competition next season, aiming to build on the experiences gained. The rankings reflect strong performances within a competitive landscape, with both teams looking to improve further moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Men's team ranked fifth, highest since 2021-22 season.
  • Women's team finished in the top five for 12 of the last 14 years.
Yes, But

While both teams showed significant growth, injuries throughout the season impacted performance. This raises questions about their ability to maintain competitiveness in future seasons should similar issues arise.

State of Play
  • Both teams concluded their season with strong rankings amidst competitive opponents.
  • Men's team only loses three players to graduation, indicating retention of core talent.
What's Next

As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, they will focus on physical conditioning and competitive play during the summer. This will be pivotal for enhancing skills and establishing stronger lineups for a better shot at nationals.

Bottom Line

St. Mary's tennis teams are poised for potential success next season, leveraging their current achievements and addressing past difficulties to strive for national competition. Their commitment to improvement and competitive spirit could set the stage for a breakthrough year.