The Prairie View A&M University men and women tennis teams were invited to travel to the gorgeous Atlanta, Ga., to participate in the 8th Annual HBCU National Tennis Championships from Thursday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 27.
The Panther men and women finished tied for seventh and eighth, respectively. “The players really appreciated the upper level of competition,” said Coach John Cochran, Jr.
“Chavez was one freshman who stepped up big time. He felt the pressure but he played through it,” said Cochran. Chavez fell in the first round of Flight A, but quickly picked up his game to defeat players form WSSU, BCU, and NCCU to take home the trophy in the consolation bracket, finishing eighth overall. Another freshman, Shariq Khan, beat Desmond Watson from FVSU 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 before falling in his second match. Jose Garcia also competed in Flight A and was the only upperclass male who participated in the competition.
In the men’s Flight B, Kudakwashe Nyatoti reeled off a string of games to win his first match against HU’s Gellert Varga 7-5, 7-6(4). Christopher Jordan also participated in Flight B, but fell in his first collegiate match.
The women’s team also proved to be competitive even without one of their top players, Melanie White. “I’m pretty confident she would have beat a couple of those girls,” said Coach Cochran. The only other PVAMU Flight A participant was Melissa Guerrier who lost to Hampton’s Na-Hyun Baek 6-1, 6-0.
In the women’s Flight B, Munahshe Makuni put together a good performance but fell short in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. Bianca Simpson played inspired tennis and won her first match of the year 6-4, 6-1 against a FVSU opponent. “Overall, I think it was a great experience, especially for the freshmen. All I really ask of the players is to play to their level of ability.” Cochran is currently preparing his teams for the SWAC tennis championships and the Regional in College Station.
Cochran would also love to see students get involved in the new Tennis On-Campus program. “The program is being run by me and Richard Cisneros,” said Cochran, “Just be on the lookout for more information in your email address and on bulletins.