Members of the women’s tennis team at Seton Hill University (SHU) know the true meaning of dedication to their sport. Daily runs, workouts, and late-night practice sessions are nothing new to any of these women, who enjoy the payoff of hard work.
The ladies received their payoff at Penn State Behrend, where they landed an impressive 8-1 victory over their competitors.
By Kathleen Walker,
Staff Writer
Members of the women’s tennis team at Seton Hill University (SHU) know the true meaning of dedication to their sport. Daily runs, workouts, and late-night practice sessions are nothing new to any of these women, who enjoy the payoff of hard work.
The ladies received their payoff at Penn State Behrend, where they landed an impressive 8-1 victory over their competitors.
It was also during this time that Candace Bungo, Allie Hickman, Bethany Merryman, Daniela Pagan and Noelle Harrold won singles for their team. Christy Bungo/Bethany Merryman, Candace Bungo/Allie Hickman and Daniela Pagan/Noelle Harrold won doubles for the Griffins as well.
The team also had the distinct privilege of traveling to Hilton Head, S.C. to compete against Wittenberg, Northern Kentucky, and West Palm Beach Atlantic. Though they were defeated by all three competitors, the trip has been a valuable experience for the entire team.
Clare Simmers, a freshman, thought the trip helped bring her teammates closer together.
�My favorite memory so far this season is definitely spring break at Hilton Head, S.C. We had such a great time and really got to know the other teammates better,� Simmers said.
Christy Bungo, a sophomore, enjoyed her time spent at Hilton Head as well.
�So far this season, going to Hilton Head was probably the most memorable experience we�ve had. We were able to play much better tennis than we can find in Pennsylvania, and it also allowed us to get closer and see what we need to work on for the rest of the year,� said Bungo.
Mark Bungo, head coach, sees every competition as an opportunity for improvement.
�I think the girls on the team have done very well so far this year, improving every week. Their ability to play tennis has improved, while their ability to battle through a match, to outlast their opponent, still needs work,� he said.
However, the team has already started preparing for future competitions.
�Since we�ve made the adjustment this year from playing NAIA teams to mostly Division II schools, every match is challenging for us. But we keep pushing ourselves and by playing such good competition, we�ll be ready to enter the new conference and be successful next year,� said Christy Bungo.
Mark Bungo believes the main component of his team’s success will be mental toughness.
�We have a limited amount of players, so it will be a challenge for them to stay strong through a long season. Most of our players are not big and strong, so they will have to be mentally tougher to succeed,� he said.
As a smaller team, the players rely heavily on each other during practice and competition. Despite the team’s many challenges, Bungo believes his players will have an overall successful season.
�Our strength is the way we all work together and pull for each other. Some of our players are very experienced and tough on the court,� he added.
View this writer’s profile.