This week, the Tulane women’s tennis team traveled to Orlando, Florida, for the American Athletic Conference Championships. Located at the United States Tennis Association National Campus, the tournament will feature a total of 11 matches across four days from April 17-20.

The Green Wave headed into the championships with a 10-13 overall record following a season of intense hot and cold streaks. The team started out strong in January with four straight wins before dropping seven consecutive losses in February.

Tulane finally notched an away win against the University of Alabama at Birmingham at the end of the month before giving up another five straight matches. Fortunately, the Green Wave was able to turn it around for the final stretch of the season, winning the next five matches despite dropping the final contest of the season 2-4 to the College of Charleston.

The Green Wave was less successful in conference, however, posting a 0-5 record. Throughout the regular season, Tulane fell short against East Carolina University (22-3), University of Memphis (13-9), University of Southern Florida (11-10), University of Central Florida (19-3) and Southern Methodist University (10-11). These in-conference woes make the upcoming AAC championships all the more intimidating.

Tulane was seeded 11th in the tournament out of 12 total teams. In the first round on Wednesday, the Green Wave faced No. 6 SMU. The teams last met in February when the Mustangs won 7-0. Tulane stole only seven points in the first set across all six singles courts, resulting in a complete shutout. The Green Wave also lost the two completed doubles matches 6-3 and 6-2.

Despite a valiant effort by the nationally ranked No. 62 duo of senior Elena Muller and junior Ivone Alvaro on court one, Tulane was unable to take the lead with the doubles point. On the single’s courts, the players gave it their all, earning the Green Wave 2 points. This was not enough, however, and the Mustangs walked away with a 4-2 victory.

Though this is not the ideal ending to the season, the team certainly has much from the 2018-19 season to be proud of. For now, the Green Wave will be awaiting the fall season and the chance at redemption.