Oct. 7, 2008

BEAUMONT - Despite two evacuations and a week and a half long stay at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, the Lamar University women's tennis team has been impressive in their two tournaments at Stephen F. Austin.

The first evacuation, caused by Hurricane Gustav in early September, was merely a dress rehearsal for things to come. A week later Southeast Texas was hit by Hurricane Ike, which forced the Lady Cardinals to head to Denton where they, along with several other LU athletics teams, called home for a week.

Although they weren't in their usual surroundings, the Lamar women hardly missed a beat on the courts. They practiced at the UNT tennis facility during the week and travelled to a pair of tournaments at SFA where they put on an impressive show.

"We owe a very big thank you to North Texas and their head coach Sujay Lama for their great hospitality," head coach David Wong said. "They gave us the opportunity to train at their facility and that played a major role in the success we've been able to have this fall."

In their first tournament the Lady Cardinals won four singles flights and a pair of doubles flights. A week later, after a day back in Beaumont, they again took off for Nacogdoches, Texas for their second tournament. They were again impressive, winning two singles titles and a doubles crown while advancing to the finals in all four flights they played in.

Over the two week span Lamar racked up 10 titles and 14 finals appearances.

"Our team adapted to their chaotic circumstances and was able to stay focused and play at the top of their game," Wong said. "I'm very proud of the way they fought through the adversity. Despite being in a tough situation they rose to the occasion and made it to the finals in the majority of the draws we were in."

In addition to the loss of time at home, the Lady Cardinals were dealt another blow due to Hurricane Ike. Sophomore Mariaryeni Gutierrez lost out on the opportunity to be the first LU player to participate in the Riviera/ITA All-American championship in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

"Mariaryeni had the chance to be the first Lamar tennis player to play in the All American, which is a huge deal," Wong said. "With the situation we were in though, we decided that we would stick together as a team."

The choice to stick together has paid early dividends, and Wong believes the best is yet to come.

"Our returning players came back fit and very strong and the two newcomers have been very solid additions," he said. "I think that everything we've gone through this fall is going to make us that much better as we continue with the school year."