The men's and women's tennis team from Western Michigan both fell in last weekend's NCAA tournament to Florida and California, respectively.
The men's unit, led by Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year Dave Morin, dropped a 4-0 decision to the Gators. The Bronco's only win came at second doubles where senior Jose Orozco and sophomore Alex Birchmeier toppled the Florida tandem of Chris Brandi and Greg Ouellette, 8-6.
Despite the loss, Morin said he felt his team performed well in the underdog role.
We prepared all year to get into the tournament and then not be satisfied with that
Morin said. I think overall we went in expecting success but they're a very good team.
The loss served as a dark ending to a successful season for the Bronco men as they went 25-5 (6-1 MAC) and won the MAC tournament.
In addition to the stellar record, Western Michigan collected its fair share of post-season accolades. Orozco, along with juniors Brady Crosby and Tim Bradshaw were named First Team All-MAC while Birchmeier was given Second Team honors.
In grabbing MAC Coach of the Year, Morin secured the award for the fifth time in a career that's been spent at both Western Michigan and Bowling Green. The Bronco mentor believes the success of this season will have a positive effect on the future.
I think this sets us up very well he said. We're going to miss Orozco. He was only the third player in school history to get 200 wins. Jeff French was our other senior and had the best singles record on the team. We'll miss those individuals but we have some very talented returning players.
On the women's side, the Lady Broncos were defeated by California, the No. 11 team in the nation, 4-0.
Both of Western Michigan's closest matches were ones that were never completed. Rattiay Hiranrat was defeating Cal's Marion Ravelojaona 6-3, 4-2, in fourth singles and the third doubles team of Hiranrat and Noriko Saruta was leading a virtual deadlock with Cal's Claire Ilcinkas and Ravelojaona, 6-5, before Cal clinched the fourth and final point, winning the matchup.
Westen Michigan coach Betsy Kuhle, who has experienced only one losing season during her stay in Kalamazoo, said that, despite her team's inexperience, they proved they belong on the national stage.
Not having the experience of playing in the NCAA tournament hurt us a little
Kuhle said of her squad. I think we were ready. The scores are a little deceiving given the way we had to stop matches but I was proud of the way they represented us and the league.
Despite the early exit from the tournament, the Lady Broncos had a memorable season in the MAC, going 20-6 (11-0 MAC) and winning the MAC tournament.
In addition, senior Malena Remynse was named MAC Player of the Year and Kerstin Pahl was tabbed MAC Freshman of the Year. Both Remynse and junior Carrie Jeanmaire were named First Team All-MAC while senior Reedhina Parekh was named to the Second Team.
I think we achieved quite a bit
Kuhle said. We had our highest national ranking ever at one point this year and we were able to cruise in the conference. I think we only lost three points in the MAC all year so we were able to have a lot of success.
Despite losing some great talent, Kuhle feels the Broncos can return and compete in 2006-2007.
I think we're gonna be strong next year
she said. We do have some holes to fill
but we have the MAC Freshman of the Year and our number two player is just a junior and was first team all-MAC. I think we'll be able to bounce back.
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Jess Mosser
