by Megan Murray

sports editor

In the opening match of the 2015 season, the Millsaps women’s tennis team recorded its first victory, sweeping the Centenary College Ladies in a 9-0 shutout on Saturday.

The day began with doubles competition. It did not take the Majors long to find their swing, and they won all three doubles matches in an uncontested 8-0 victory.

Next came singles matches, and the domination continued. The Majors swept the ladies of Centenary College in all six singles matches.

Even as it was an exciting day for all the Majors’ tennis players, it was perhaps more exhilarating for some standout freshmen. Rachel Beck, Ashley Ford, Reya Hayek and Mary Claiborne-Sharpe recorded the first singles wins of their collegiate careers. Additionally, Beck, Ford and Hayek all picked up their first doubles victories as well.

Beck and Hayek both describe their excitement on winning their first collegiate matches. Hayek says, “It felt really good to finish the first official match on such a high note. After practicing as much as we do, seeing such promising results is a great encouragement and push for me to see how much further I can go this season, as well as during these next four years here at Millsaps.”

Photo courtesy of Millsaps Sports Information

While Beck says, “Winning my first collegiate tennis match was definitely exciting. The atmosphere was energetic and lively which made the match more fun.”

They also give insight on their expectations for the remainder of the season. Beck says, “I expect to have a fun and successful season. I see our team being one of the top teams in the conference. I think we have a lot of potential this year to do great things.”

Hayek adds, “The expectation I have for myself is simply to be able to walk off a court knowing I gave it my all… I have such high hopes for the team this year. We are really close and always enjoy being around each other… No matter what the struggle is, we are always encouraging and helping one another.”

The Majors’ next match is set for Feb. 21, when they will take on Covenant in Birmingham, Alabama. They will travel to Atlanta the following day to face off against Emory.