Peter Dindinger — NMMI Sports Press
Faced with the challenges of competing during the COVID-19 pandemic and playing exhibition matches during the regular season, the Bronco women's tennis team shined brightly at the NJCAA Division I tournament.
With three women on the roster, the New Mexico Military Institute finished 17th in the nation during the five-day tournament in Mesa, Ariz., from May 1-5.
"We certainly proved that we deserved to be there," said NMMI head coach Nathaniel Horner. "I don't think there was a doubt in anyone's mind that our three women earned their keep there. Those girls stepped up and had a great tournament."
Idayath Lassissi advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Eastern Arizona's Mikayla Herrera in straight sets, 6-1 and 6-0.
Lassissi then defeated Halle McCrory of Wallace State, 6-0 and 6-2, before dropping to Tyler Junior College's Violet Apisah, 6-0 and 6-0.
Tyler went on to capture its 20th national title.
"She had a fantastic tournament. She deserves it. I think for her to get those first two wins meant a lot and we were excited," said Horner about Lassissi.
One of NMMI's biggest wins came in doubles play as twins Linda Eloundou Nga and Manuella Eloundou Nga defeated eighth-seeded Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's Arianna Calcatelli and Natalie Kohoutkova in a three-set battle, 7-5, 1-6, 6-0.
The twins had another victory over Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Susana Patino and Madison Shows, 6-4, 6-1.
In singles play, Manuella Eloundou Nga also upset Barton Community College's No. 2 player Annunciata De-Souza in three grinding sets, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.
Linda Eloundou Nga advanced to the consolation final after notching wins over East Central Community College, Central Alabama and Copiah-Lincoln.
She had a battle with Cowley's Isid Hernandez in the opening round but fell 6-1, 7-5. Cowley ended up finishing third in the nation.
Next year, the Broncos will be looking forward to returning to normal by having a full roster with a solid slate of matches on the schedule.
NMMI can only go up from here as all three players will be returning for another season.
"We're not satisfied. Clearly we're right there knocking on the door. We hope to finish top 10 next year," said Horner. "I could not be more proud of those three girls. They deserve all the credit.
"I am extremely excited about the future. We're just going to get nothing but better. We'll be dangerous."