WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace’s women’s tennis team, under the guidance of third-year head coach Emily Ackerman, is eager to get the 2024-25 campaign underway.
“I am excited and optimistic for the upcoming season. We have a very well-rounded team with a lot of tennis experience,” said Ackerman.
The Lancers return a majority of the rotation from a group that recorded 13 wins a year ago, one shy of the program record. Six returners saw action across the fall and spring seasons.
A trio of upperclassmen will lead the way for Grace. This group controlled the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 spots a year ago and are poised to control the top of the lineup once again.
Senior Lydia Ruegsegger brings a wealth of experience with a 52-38 career record with 14 wins coming in doubles play last year. She is joined by a pair of juniors.
Jimena Ramirez put together an impressive 2023-24 campaign with a 31-6 overall record, making history in the process. She was named NAIA Second Team All-American, the first such recognition in program history, and earned an All-Conference selection as well.
Alejandra Sandoval finished the year with similar numbers at 29-7 overall, earning an All-Conference nod.
“One area we hope to excel in again is doubles play,” said Ackerman. “Our team is meshing well, and we have many different styles of play and player combinations to make doubles fun.”
Three sophomores gained valuable experience last year and will provide depth to the lineup. Geraldine Salinas, who joined the team in the spring, brings experience and consistency. She went undefeated in doubles action (6-0) and compiled an 11-1 overall record in the No. 3 slot. Molli Runestad (17-14) and Amy Adams (5-2) held serve at No. 5 and No. 6 in the rotation.
“Our ability to take control of points will serve us well,” added Ackerman. “Our knowledge of the game and different stroke patterns will help get opponents off balance and set us up for success.”
Three freshman newcomers will round out the lineup. Shannon Brumbaugh (West Milton, Ohio), Natalie Schoenherr (Vandalia, Ohio) and Sofia Beltran (Temuco, Chile) will don the Grace uniform for the first time. All three will vie for a spot in the lineup over the course of the season.
"We have a very athletic team; if we maintain our fitness and limit mistakes, the ceiling for this team is very high,” commented Ackerman. “Our desire is to pursue Christian excellence both on the court and in the classroom by keeping Christ at the center of everything we do.”
The 2024-25 campaign gets underway with a preseason tuneup against Cedarville on Aug 31. From there, the Crossroads League slate begins on Sept. 3 at home against Bethel at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts.