The Mac Weekly

Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Christopher Mitchell Returning the volley. Captain Anna Peschel provided strong play on the courts and crucial leadership during her senior season.

Since last year tennis at Macalester has evolved. A pair of teams that gave it their very best and still left the courts beaten in the past has developed a line-up of fierce, yet classy competitors. The women's team, in particular, accomplished an incredible turnaround in the past several years, in large part thanks to strong coaching, talented recruits and a more confident mentality.

The women's team proved to be Macalester's shinning star during the spring season. Sophomore transfer student Angie Horner '10 led the way, achieving a nearly flawless 19-1 overall record. Her only loss in the season came from a nationally ranked Gustavus opponent.

Adding to the team's celebratory list is Coach Jason Muhl's recognition as MIAC Coach of the Year. Under his direction over the past three years, the women's team has dramatically progressed from 1-9 in 2006, to 3-7 last year, and to a remarkable 8-2 conference record this season. The men, who went 0-9 in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons, won a pair of conference matches this year, exhibiting their own improvement with Muhl.

"We exceeded our expectations on the season, improving in the conference and in gaining confidence." Muhl said speaking of the women. "Now we're competitive."

The women's most successful campaign in decades came to a close last weekend in St. Peters. After beating the Carleton Knights for the second time this season, the women dropped the semi-final match to rival St. Thomas.

The match against St. Thomas was decided after seven games, the Scots having received two wins from Horner and teammate Stephanie Lee '10 at No. 1 doubles and again from Horner at No. 1 singles. Due to the early decision, senior captains Anna Peschel '08 and Jenna Harris '08 were unable to finish their singles matches.
"We played them [St. Thomas] tougher," Peschel said. "A lot of us were tired and sick."

Peschel and Harris could not have dreamed of a much better senior season. "[This season] was an awesome way to end my senior year," Peschel said. "It's been really fun to be with Mac tennis throughout as our team grew up to its potential."

Continued...

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