The Falcon tennis team is off to a 3-0 start on the year after defeating the Youngstown State Penguins 6-1 at the Perrysburg Tennis Center.
The Falcons took one point in doubles early by winning all three matches 7 – 5, 6 – 0 and 6 – 4 and winning five of six in singles matches.
The final score was not all that close between the teams, but freshman Marta Bettinelli knew it was not as easy as it appears.
“They were a tough team, they battled,” Bettinelli said. “But we just kept trying to do what we do — play hard, don’t give up and good things happen.
Bettinelli is excited that her team has started out 3–0 so far on the year, but realizes it is not going to get any easier heading into an upcoming roadtrip.
“Obviously, we’re happy with where we are, but this road trip will be different for us, so we just have to stay focused,” Bettinelli said.
Falcon head coach Stephanie Dalmacio was not just impressed with the victory over Youngstown State, but throughout the homestand, as well.
“We talked about winning and staying on top and winning again,” Dalmacio said. “I’ve told them that it’s harder to stay there than getting there, and so that was the mentality today and the beginning of the season.”
Dalmaccio hopes her team maintains that mentality throughout the season, because she realizes what’s ahead.
“Obviously, we have now a long month away from home, and we’re going to have to battle without the crowd, and we’ll see how they do,” Dalmacio said.
Based on the three matches so far, though, Dalmacio sees the togetherness in her team and knows how important that is going forward.
“It’s just huge,” Dalmacio said. “I think that the team chemistry right now, just how much they’re supporting each other, is going to go a long way for us throughout the season and obviously for MAC season in March.”
Dalmacio also sees enjoyment within her team, and to her, that is even more important.
“It’s just huge to see how much they’re enjoying it, as well, and competing out there,” Dalmacio said. “That’s really all we can ask for, really.”
Going into this long road trip with this young team, Dalmacio does not envision preparing the team any differently, but expects to see a much different crowd than they have had at home.
“It’s obviously tougher because we don’t have the crowd for us, but there’s going to be crowds, you know, and I think most of them actually like to play with people watching,” she said. “If it’s for us or against us, we can handle it.”
While Dalmaccio says this team can handle whatever comes their way, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t stress her out.
“I joke with them that this is my gray hair season because they do like the close matches,” Dalmaccio said.
The Falcons’ next match will be Feb. 2, the start of their month-and-a-half long road trip, where they will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.
