After a tough one-win season last year, the ULM women’s tennis team is finding new ways to compete and rebuild.
The Warhawks sit at 3-9 overall and remain winless in conference play at 0-6. On paper, that may not seem like a good score, but for a team that finished 1-20 in the 2023-24 campaign, it is an improvement.
ULM started this spring season strong with a 6-1 win over Grambling State on Feb. 4. Junior Mariam Hatem picked up a clean sweep on Court 1, joined by wins from freshman Marria Iordanova, junior Jorrin Fernandez and sophomore Raquel Alvaro.
On the road, the Warhawks struggled as they dropped a 7-0 decision to Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. Hatem lost her first singles match of the season to Felicia Back, and freshman Tingyi Li fell in her debut.
That road loss marked the beginning of a trend, with ULM failing again at Louisiana Tech and LSU Shreveport.
Still, the team found bright spots along the way. On Feb. 17, the Warhawks shut out Alcorn State 4-0 at home. Hatem led the charge once again, winning in straight sets without giving up a single game.
ULM’s third win came in a tight 4-3 battle against Jackson State on March 1, marking the team’s first road victory of the season. Hatem earned a 6-2, 6-3 win on Court 1, while Iordanova added a 6-1, 6-2 victory in singles. Sophomore Enna Krnjic and freshman Vanja Cado secured a 6-4 win in doubles that helped ULM claim the opening point.
The Warhawks then entered Sun Belt play, where the competition got tougher. ULM dropped six straight conference matches, including a 5-2 loss against Arkansas State and a 4-0 result at Texas State. Head coach Ivone Alvaro attributed the loss to depth issues and injuries.
“They [the opponents] are being better than us. And we have two injuries on top of the lineup; it makes a difference,” Alvaro said.
Despite the team’s inconsistencies, individual performances continue to stand out. Hatem remains a reliable presence on Court 1 as she earned competitive wins in both non-conference and Sun Belt matchups. In doubles, the Krnjic-Cado pairing has given ULM consistency and energy, most notably with their win over Jackson State.
Support the Warhawks as they play Georgia State on April 4 in Atlanta, Georgia.
