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ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s Club Tennis team will return to the USTA National Championships in Cary, North Carolina, after winning the USTA Texas club of the year award for the second year in a row.

LU Club Tennis won the bid to the nationals at the annual USTA Tennis on Campus Texas Sectional Championships, Feb. 12-14, in New Braunfels. The USTA Tennis on Campus National Championships will be held in Cary, North Carolina April 14-16. LU Club Tennis will be one of 64 teams competing.

LU team captain Zachary Defrancis joined vice president Tyler Hansford, treasurer Kelli Creel, secretary Drew Anderson, Trina Schreck, Robert Ehrlich, and Jacob Tate in returning this year.  Accompanying them in their first year at the state tournament were new players Terina Terlizzi and Frank Matula.

“Its really fun to be a part of because we get to meet people from all over the country. I’m so excited to have the chance to go back again,” said Kelli Creel

The team, now in its fourth year, is participating in the Tennis on Campus Program that brings together college clubs from across the state to play competitive tennis.

At the Texas Sectionals, the team’s first day results propelled them to the gold bracket where they went 4-3 and finished 14th overall, out of 58 teams. Soon after, the team was awarded the prestigious title of 2015-2016 Club of the Year for USTA Texas Tennis on Campus.

LU Club Tennis earned this honor through their outreach in the tennis community, both locally and at LU. The team members have volunteered at many community tennis functions, brought more players into the game, and connected with the athletic teams through practice and support at tournaments. LU’s team was chosen unanimously among teams across Texas.

"Being able to return to Nationals a second year in a row is a monumental accomplishment for the team,” said Tyler Hansford. “This in itself signifies for me, and I know the team too, the determination and hard work we have all put forth on and off the courts in order to have the chance to return to Nationals to compete and represent LU and Texas.”

“I know we are all excited to get another shot at Nationals, and we will hopefully bring back good results and represent Lamar well,” said Zachary Defrancis.