WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – On Saturday, Feb. 8, the 2014 tennis season opened for Warner University with a Sun Conference match with Ave Maria University. It was a historic day for the Lady Royals tennis program as they shutout the Gyrenes in a rain-shortened 7-0 victory at the Winter Haven Tennis Complex for their first team victory in school history. The Lady Royals, who have competed in The Sun Conference since the 2004-2005 season, were 0-66 overall dating back the 2005 spring season going into Saturday’s season opener.
The Lady Royals led 3-0 after sweeping the doubles round. Newcomer Monique Frandji and Nhatalia Ocampo won their No. 1 doubles match 8-3. Fernanda Correa and Paula Garcia had to battle to win their No. 2 doubles match but prevailed 9-7. A pair of newcomers helped the Lady Royals go ahead 3-0 with a win at No. 3 doubles; Claudia Sequera and Caitlin Ryan were victorious 8-1.
Ryan did not drop a game in her 6-0, 6-0 singles win at the No. 6 position putting the Lady Royals ahead 4-0.
Frandji, the sister of men’s tennis senior Patrick Frandji, won her No. 1 singles match 6-1, 6-2 that sealed the victory for the Lady Royals putting them ahead 5-0.
Correa and Garica won their No. 3 and No. 4 singles matches respectively before the match was called due to weather. Ocampo and Sequera were both on their way to singles victories as well before the match was stopped.
“I’m very proud of the girls for picking up their first victory in our program’s history,” said head coach Jose Martinez after the match. “This is a goal I’ve been working on for three years!”
“I wish to present this victory to all the past members of the Lady Royals tennis teams that never had the opportunity to experience a victory. Your alma mater’s tennis programs are much improved and filled with high quality young men and women that respect and honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The Lady Royals will spend Valentine’s Day in West Palm Beach, Fla. as they’ll take on Northwood University. The Seahawks are currently ranked 8th in the NAIA Women’s Tennis Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. Then on Saturday, Feb. 15, the Royals will step out of NAIA competition to face Palm Beach Atlantic University. Both matches will start at 1 p.m.