2020 WOMEN'S TENNIS SEASON RECAP

2020 WOMEN'S TENNIS SEASON RECAP

Point Loma battles two Division I opponents: The Point Loma women’s tennis team hosted two NCAA Division I opponents before their season came to an abrupt end. They battled till the very end with each but ultimately fell short. On February 15 PLNU hosted Cal Poly and lost 2-5. Then on March 4 they hosted Villanova and lost 3-4.   

Bay Area sweep: The PLNU women’s tennis team traveled to the Bay Area during the week of spring break to take on Sonoma State, Holy Names, and Academy of Art. The Sea Lions would return with a perfect 3-0 record on the road trip. They defeated Sonoma State 4-2, Holy Names 7-0, and Academy of Art 4-3. They got themselves to a 6-4 record before the season was acquitted because of COVID-19.  

Female Freshman of the Year: Angelique Friedrich rattled off an 8-2 record, including winning her final five matches to earn Point Loma's 2020 SLAM Award for Freshman of the Year. She won both her matches against Division I opponents and she capped off her freshman campaign with a win over the 10th ranked player in the region. In doubles, she and partner Samantha Neilson posted a 5-2 record with wins over Cal Poly and Villanova.
  
PacWest Weekly awards: Angelique Friedrich received the only PacWest Weekly award during the condensed tennis season. Friedrich was named PacWest Player of the Week on March 10. During the week she was named player of the week Friedrich did not lose a match and helped the Sea Lions sweep their Bay Area road trip. 

Senior Salute: Although the tennis season did not end the way anyone had hoped the team had to say goodbye to Taylor McGowan. McGowan was the heart of the women’s tennis team and a tremendous leader. Ellie Gamble will be taking her extra year of eligibility and returning next year.

Regionally ranked: PLNU opened up regionally-ranked No. 6 in the west region and kept that ranking throughout the season. They were looking to make a push higher into the regional rankings and possibly the national rankings but unfortunately were unable too. 

Back for more in 2021: The Sea Lions will return seven of the eight players from the 2020 team. Those returning include Angelique Friedrich, Faith Pearson, Rachel Whittington, Sofia Johansson, Samantha Neilson, Gabi Armas, and Ellie Gamble. 

Coach Wheeler: In his sixth season as the PLNU head coach, Curt Wheeler has compiled a 62-47 record with the women's program.