The Sam Houston women's tennis team capped off a strong fall semester with an impressive performance at the UTEP Invitational in El Paso, Texas. The Bearkats showcased their depth and resilience, winning four of their five singles matches on the final day of the three-day event.

Bearkats Demonstrate Dominance on the Court

Overcoming Altitude Challenges

The Bearkats faced a unique challenge at the UTEP Invitational, as they had to adjust to the higher altitude of El Paso. Head coach Rob Hubbard acknowledged that the team struggled with this adjustment during the first two days of the event, but they were able to find their rhythm by the final day."The first two days had their struggles as I feel the team was adjusting to playing at a higher altitude," Hubbard said. "By Sunday, they were very much on top of their games as we dominated the final day of competition."The Bearkats' ability to adapt and overcome the altitude challenges demonstrated their mental toughness and resilience, which will serve them well as they prepare for the upcoming spring season.

Standout Individual Performances

The Bearkats' success at the UTEP Invitational was fueled by several standout individual performances. Nayuma Subba and Adithi Venkata Krishnan set the tone for the team with Friday singles victories, while Jacqueline Schnabel secured a thrilling three-set win on Saturday.On the final day, Subba and Venkata Krishnan continued their strong play, with Subba defeating Zuzanna Szcepanska from UTEP and Venkata Krishnan defeating Paloma Hennicaux, also from UTEP. Schnabel also earned another three-set victory, this time over Nadia Nemeth from NM State.The Bearkats' ability to win close matches and grind out victories in three-set battles demonstrated their competitive spirit and determination to succeed.

Doubles Dominance

In addition to their singles success, the Bearkats also showcased their prowess in doubles play. The duo of Christine Jevicky and Venkata Krishnan defeated Valeria Torres and Paloma Hennicaux from UTEP in a tight 7-6 match on Friday.The Bearkats' ability to excel in both singles and doubles events highlights the depth and versatility of their roster, which will be a valuable asset as they look to build momentum heading into the spring season.

Promising Future Ahead

With a strong performance at the UTEP Invitational under their belts, the Bearkats are poised for an exciting spring season. Hubbard expressed his satisfaction with the team's progress, noting the growth and development of the younger players on the squad."With so many new faces on the squad this fall, it was exciting to see how these young players have come together as a team," Hubbard said. "We've improved with every event. The ladies have shown that they want to compete."As the Bearkats prepare to open their 2025 spring schedule with a home match against the Rice Owls, they will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on their new home court, the Chuck and Wanda Beckner Tennis Center. With a talented roster and a renewed sense of confidence, the Bearkats are well-positioned to make a strong push for success in the upcoming season.