The UNM women’s tennis team showed noticeable improvement this weekend at the Southwest Collegiate Invitational at the UNM Tennis Complex.
Despite being hampered by injuries to junior Ashley Bonner and freshman Amy Shipperd, the Lobos had a combined 17 wins. The results came less than two months after the Lobos went 1-41 at the UNM Fall Invitational.
UNM was led by freshman Kristin Eggleston and sophomore Manumea Durie, who each went 3-1 in singles. Eggleston and Durie teamed up for a 2-1 record in doubles.
Head coach Roy Cañada said he’s pleased with the team’s progress.
“We played with a lot of heart and character,” he said. “We were down a few players, and everyone stepped up and had a good showing. We played some tough matches against great teams, and I’m happy with the results.”
Former Lobo All-American Maja Kovacek made her return to Albuquerque as assistant coach to Oregon, one of eight teams competing in the tournament.
Kovacek said UNM is a young and talented team.
“The Lobos look tough,” she said. “They have their work cut out for them just like any other team. But the talent is there, and they can be successful with hard work.”
