Florida A&M Women’s Tennis team won its final home game this season against Fort Valley State University this past weekend.
Earning the 7-0 victory over Ft. Valley State, FAMU improved to 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and gained a .500 record of 10-10.
FAMU has played only two home games, but the team defended home court and positioned itself to be MEAC title contenders.
Deke Olagbegi, who was honored on senior day for her leadership, hard work and abilities on the court, she spoke about the significance of the matches and her team’s intensity throughout the day.
“This was the last match of our season before our championships, so it meant a lot to go out with a bang, “she said. “Nobody dropped a match and we just came out really humbled and dedicated ready to win.”
In singles competition, FAMU were the aggressors in all aspects of the game. The team won all six matches in straight sets with 6-0, 6-0 victories only allowing its opponent to win two games at the most.
The win on senior day was something both the coaches and the players put a lot of emphasis on. Head coach “Nikki” Goldthreate said Friday’s match has given the Lady Rattlers reassurance that anything is possible when FAMU plays its brand of tennis.
“We were mentally prepared knowing we were going to be home,” Goldthreate said. “This was a really solid win so it builds up our confidence a little and this definitely gets us mentally prepared for the MEAC championships.”
FAMU took all three doubles matches, setting the tone winning 8-0 to earn the point. Junior Kathline Durden who was a part of the doubles victories talked about the team’s productivity and how the team looks to carry their momentum down the road.
“We came out to play to our best in order to be mentally prepared for the conference championships,” Durden said. “We just basically set the standard for where we are right now and what we need to improve on so we can go in ahead of the game.”
The Florida A&M Women’s tennis team will be one of teams competing at the MEAC championships from April 15-17. The Rattlers are currently ranked second in the southern division of the MEAC conference behind Howard University and has optimism about their chances.
“I know we are going to take the MEAC, we are going in positive with our heads held high,” Olagbegi said. “We are just ready for anyone who is willing to deny us of a MEAC title.”