The Hillsdale College women's tennis team is used to testing itself against tough competiton.
Tuesday's opponent to conclude the Chargers' spring break Florida trip was a step up even by their standards.
Hillsdale College played the best team it's likely to face all year and one of the best teams in Division II, period, when it faced off against Nova Southeastern, ranked fifth nationally, in a road match.
The Sharks, a regional and national power who entered at 12-1 on the season with their only loss a narrow one to top-ranked Barry, made short work of the Chargers on Tuesday, sweeping all six singles matches while dropping a combined eight games.
No. 3 singles player Kamryn Matthews came the closest to pulling an upset for Hillsdale in the singles portion of the competition, falling in a 6-4, 6-1 match against Nova Southeastern's Tingting Pei.
Hillsdale was more competitive in the doubles portion, though the Sharks still took the point, winning at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles for the 7-0 sweep.
The Chargers' No. 2 doubles team of Sarah Hackman and Sophia Spinazze did play a tight match against their Nova Southeastern opponents, and were locked in a 4-4 deadlock when the outcome of the other two matches decided the point and left the No. 2 doubles match unfinished.
Hillsdale (6-2) went 0-2 on their Florida trip but faced off against two teams that are likely better than any they will see for the rest of the season.
The experience of playing top competition should serve the Chargers well as they look to win a third-straight GMAC title.
Hillsdale begins its quest with a home match against GMAC foe Ursuline on Saturday, March 21 for its next match.
Photo: Brad Monastiere