After an extended period on the road, the Western Carolina women's tennis team is returning home for their final nonconference match of the 2024-25 season. This Friday afternoon, the Catamounts will host North Carolina A&T at the Catamount Athletic Complex. With a current three-game winning streak under their belts, the team aims to continue their momentum against the Aggies. Preceding the game, seniors Andrea Redondo and Angela Perez will be honored during a ceremony starting at 2:45 p.m., adding a celebratory touch to the event.
The Catamounts have had a successful stretch over spring break, securing victories against FDU, Lamar, and Fairfield in Orlando, Florida. Their overall record stands at 9-7, with no conference wins yet this season. Meanwhile, NC A&T faces a challenging week ahead, playing multiple matches back-to-back, including battles with Gardner-Webb, NC Central, Campbell, and Winston-Salem State. Historically, Western Carolina has dominated the series against the Aggies, boasting a perfect 12-0 record since 1981.
Key players to watch include senior Angela Perez, who excelled in Orlando by notching six straight-set singles victories last week. Her doubles partnership with freshman Hokualohi Lui also proved formidable, defeating Fairfield with a 6-0 shutout. Fellow senior Andrea Redondo also performed admirably, contributing to the team’s success with her unblemished record in doubles play. Jade Groen, a junior standout, continues to lead the team with a stellar 10-2 singles record and recently became WCU’s all-time career singles leader.
On the opposing side, the Aggies, despite being shorthanded, feature promising freshmen such as Flavia Villegas, Juana Gomez Weiss, and Dorsa Cheraghi, who have demonstrated strong performances on various courts throughout the season. Their limited roster means they must forfeit some matches, but those participating maintain impressive records.
Looking ahead, the Catamounts will dive into conference play with a series of home games against Samford, UNCG, and Chattanooga before concluding their regular season with away matches against Mercer, ETSU, and Wofford. Fans can expect an exciting continuation of the team's competitive spirit and dedication to excellence as they navigate these upcoming challenges.