Women's tennis wins regional conference

Jewell was the number one seed in the tournament and Lindenwood was the number two seed. Jewell led 2-1 after doubles play with Paula Peters, first-year, and Nikki Chambers, senior, defeating their opponents 8-1. Hana Lindbloom and Jaimie Baker, sophomores, were defeated 8-3. Chelsea Dinkel and Mackenzie Lown, first-years, won their match 8-2.

Peters singles’ match went unfinished. Chambers defeated Brigitte Rustamante of Lindenwood, 6-1 and 6-0. Lindbloom beat Raminta Kazemekaityte, 6-1 and 7-5. Baker defeated Severine DeBeuf, 6-1 and 6-3. Dinkel and Lown’s matches went unfinished.

In a press release on the College website, Paul Worstell, head men’s and women’s tennis coach, was quoted saying, "I am so proud of our team and the hard work and sacrifices they all made this season. Our team peaked at the perfect time this season and even had to overcome several injuries on the way. We are excited to bring this HAAC title back to William Jewell."

Chambers was named HAAC player of the week. The Lady Cardinals, with an overall record of 17-7, travel to Mobile, Ala. May 16-21 to compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Women’s Tennis National Championship Tournament.

The men’s tennis team beat Missouri Valley College 5-2 but saw its season come to an end when they were defeated by Graceland University, 5-0, in the semifinals of the HAAC Tournament.

In the matches against Missouri Valley, Kyle Taylor, senior, and Shane Giannetti, first-year, had their matches go unfinished in singles’ competition. Bronson Brassel, sophomore, defeated Derek Gillilan, 6-2 and 6-4. Bryan Thomas, first-year, defeated Daniel Velasquez, 6-2 and 6-2. Chris Dailey, senior, defeated Nathan Garrett, 6-1 and 6-4. Max Cooper, first-year, defeated Josh Boling, 6-1 and 6-0.

Taylor and Thomas defeated their opponent 9-7 in doubles’ competition. Brassel and Cooper lost 8-6. Chad Kirkland, senior, and Chris Reimer, first-year, lost 8-3.

The men’s team ended the season with a final overall record of 15-8, and returns a majority of their team next year. They lose four seniors to graduation.

With their first HAAC Title since 2006, the women’s team looks to bring back a National Championship to Jewell at the Mobile Tennis Center.

Christina Duzan can be reached at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.