Men’s and women’s tennis are trusting in their early season improvements and new coaching adjustments to set themselves up for conference play. Last year the men’s and women’s tennis teams finished their seasons 7-6 and 4-9 respectively and have set bigger goals this season.

The men’s team had a tough start against two conference powerhouses, losing to Grace College and Huntington University, teams who finished first and second respectively in last season’s conference standings. The men’s team is currently 1-4-1 after beating Spring Arbor, with their draw coming against Judson in a match cut short by lighting.

The women’s team continues to carry momentum even through the setbacks of injuries they’ve faced. Blanka Bodo, a freshman, said, “our first player has something wrong with her foot. The second player has something with her back. Another player’s ankle rolled … so it’s like four out of six” women who aren’t in full health. 

For sophomore Sude Aytekin, No. 1 on the women’s team, drive and determination are energizing them to move forward: “We’re trying our best.” A healthy Goshen squad snapped a 17-year losing streak against Huntington on Sept. 2nd. She believes that “if everyone [else stays healthy going forward], everyone injured is going to get better, [and] then we’ll have a better chance.” 

The women are currently 2-4 on the season. Individually, Bodo, No. 2 singles, stands out, as her 5-0 record leads the team.

Jon Bemisderfer, director of tennis for both men’s and women’s teams, is coming into the season with a positive outlook.

“I like our chances against anyone,” he said. “I like our chances wherever we go.” 

Bermisderfer was hired just one week before the team’s first game. It was a quick turnaround for the team; to make up for lost time, the new coach made it a point to focus on team chemistry with an emphasis on incremental improvement. 

“It’s like a family,” he said. “Everyone treats each other right and is caring and always asking how to help.” 

“We’re ready to fight and we all have high hopes of winning,” sophomore Matija Margetic, No. 2 singles for the men, said. “We’re as competitive as everyone else.”