It was an emotional day for the ASU women's tennis team Saturday, not only because of the loss against rival UA, but also because it was the last home match for some players.
The Sun Devils lost 4-3 in a drawn-out match against the Wildcats. Senior Mhairi Brown said she was unsatisfied but added that the team did its best.
"It's extremely disappointing to lose, but you can't do anything more but give it 100 percent, and we certainly all did that," Brown said.
Senior Adria Engel said she was also down because of the loss but still found a positive side in the experience.
"[I am} disappointed that we lost, especially to UA," Engel said. "I think a couple of our players who have been struggling did really well and they won.
"You just have to look at all the positives. The season's over and we have NCAA's to worry about. It doesn't matter that we lost today. We just look forward to the next match."
After her grueling victory over Wildcat Emilie Scribot, Engel was full of emotions. "It's sad," she said. "I won but I was crying because I was happy and sad at the same time. I think the crowd was so awesome. They helped me through it. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end it.
"Of course, I wish we won as a team, but for my last match, I am glad I pulled it out. I was not going to leave that court losing."
Head coach Sheila McInerney praised the team's seniors.
"They put a lot into the program," McInerney said. "Megan and Mhairi, who have been here for three years, have been on three top-10 teams and we'll see where we go this year.
"Adria, the three years she has been here, she's really matured and is playing great tennis. She could be the second person in the history of our program to be a four time All-American. She has worked really hard and deserves everything she gets."
Each senior has made plans for after college. Engel plans to play professionally after she graduates. Megan Yeats said she plans on going back home, but added that tennis would still be a part of her life.
"Maybe coaching," Yeats said. "Before I hurt my wrists, for sure I would have played for a year or two afterward."
Brown's eyes weren't entirely focused on the future as she reminisced about her years at ASU.
"It's kind of sad that it's my last home match ever," Brown said. "I have had an unbelievable four years here and the best competition at the home site so I have really enjoyed it."
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Reach the reporter at kelley.karnes@asu.edu.
