RICHARDSON, Texas – McMurry University Women's Tennis is predicted to finish third in the American Southwest Conference West Division, it was announced by the league office in a poll of the league's head coaches.
McMurry finished second in the West Division a year ago, with their only conference loss coming to West Division champion UT Dallas. The War Hawks will be aiming for the conference tournament for the first time since 2012 after not being eligible last year as the War Hawks transitioned back to NCAA D-III.
Elsewhere in the West Division, UT Dallas received 12 first-place votes and 89 points as the favorite to win the division, while Hardin-Simmons University was picked second with 62 points. McMurry was just a single point behind HSU in third, while Concordia Texas received one first-place vote and was a single point behind McMurry in fourth with 60 points. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Howard Payne University and Sul Ross State University rounded out the division.
"The women's West Division seems to be pretty close at the top. UTD is the standout right now, but after that, the next three teams could go either way," Head Coach Bryan Rainwater said.
In the East Division, East Texas Baptist received 12 first-place votes and was picked to win the division over second place LeTourneau University, who received the other first place vote. Defending ASC champion UT Tyler was not eligible for the poll. Belhaven University was picked third, followed by University of the Ozarks and Louisiana College.
The War Hawks had two players named to the Preseason Watch List, as well, in senior Samantha Ritz and sophomore Claire Huffine.
Ritz is a two-time All-ASC West honoree, including second team a year ago. She recorded a 12-8 record at number one singles, including 5-1 in conference play, which tied for the team lead in wins. She was also 7-14 in doubles at number one singles.
"With three seniors in our top six this year, we are extremely excited to be in the mix and have an opportunity to compete for a title," Rainwater said.
Huffine, was named to the ASC West second team at both singles and doubles as a freshman. She went 13-6 overall in singles, posting a 7-2 mark at number two and 6-4 record at number three and 5-1 in the ASC. Huffine went 12-9 in doubles, primarily at number two, where she went 11-4 paired with Zayra Gomez.
McMurry gets their season underway Saturday at 9 a.m. by hosting East Texas Baptist University at the Seidel-Swagerty Tennis Center.
