After testing itself against tough competition throughout the non-conference portion of the season, the Hillsdale College women's tennis team is rolling through the early portion of its G-MAC schedule so far, winning both matches against conference foes to date.
Senior Sarah Hackman continues to play an important role in the Chargers' success, and her strong performance this past weekend not only helped Hillsdale to a 7-0 win over visiting Kentucky Wesleyan, but also earned her G-MAC Player of the Week honors in women's tennis, the conference office announced on Monday.
It's Hackman's third weekly honor this season after being recognized twice in the fall portion of the calendar, and the seventh across a lengthy and decorated career with the Chargers.
Against the Panthers, Hackman rolled to victories at both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles on Saturday. Teaming with partner Melanie Zampardo, Hackman made quick work of KWC's team of Ashton Franz and Lesleigh Lowman, 6-1, to help wrap up the doubles point for the Chargers, and the senior from Island Lake, Illinois was equally dominant in her singles match, beating Lowman 6-1, 6-0 to help clinch the match quickly for Hillsdale.
Playing in the top spot against some of the best players the Midwest has to offer, Hackman has posted a 9-8 singles record against strong competition so far, as well as a 9-5 record in doubles, playing primarily with Zampardo but also occasionally with freshman Libby McGivern.
Hackman and the Chargers wrap up their home schedule this Saturday against G-MAC foe Cedarville, before hitting the road for title-deciding matches against fellow G-MAC contenders Tiffin, Findlay and Walsh in quick succession in April.
Photo by Isabella Sheehan