MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Auburn University at Montgomery women's tennis team will play their final season as provisional NCAA Division II members against a challenging slate of opponents, bringing a more experienced squad to the table in 2019. 

TEAM OVERVIEW

The Warhawks closed out the 2018 season with a record of 8-11, including a 7-5 mark in Gulf South Conference play. AUM boasted a winning record at home, going 4-3 on their home court but struggled on the road, netting a 4-5 record. 

In the Fall the Warhawks took part in the ITA Regional Championships as well as the GSC Fall Tennis Open. After struggling a bit in the ITA's, AUM put together a much better showing in the ITA's. 

"The Gulf South Conference in the Fall was a great tournament for us, reaching five finals," said head coach Yair Banuelos. "The last one was a consolation final as well. It showed us that we were right there with everyone else, and that we have to be mentally prepared to face every opponent."   

The GSC saw Warhawks reach the finals of the championship and consolation rounds of flights A and C. Individually Julia Enderink won her flight while Tonja Foessmeier, Alba De la Torre and Sofia Mustre all fell in the championship finals. Sofia Navarro dropped her opening match but won the consolation flight championship for Flight C.

THE PLAYERS

The 2019 roster will feature all underclassmen for the first time since the 2015 season when the team went 23-4 and won the NAIA National Championship. Five sophomores highlight this year's lineup, and all are returners from the previous season, leaving Svenja Petri as the only freshman. 

"It's like day and night compared to last year," Banuelos said. "Having five freshmen last year to this year, they know what college tennis is about. This year they have that experience and adding one freshman, having only one person to adjust to college tennis and the life of a college student as well."

Sofia Navarro returns to AUM for her second season after spending time at the number one and two positions for AUM. Overall, Navarro compiled a 5-13 record with a 4-8 mark in conference play. 

Sofia Mustre played in five different slots for the Warhawks during her inaugural season wearing the Orange & Black. She recorded a record of 7-11 during singles play but had the most doubles victories on the team with 10. 

Tonja Fossemeier returns to AUM after compiling the second-most wins on the team during her freshman season. Fossemeier split time in both the two and three spots and had a combined record of 8-10 including a 7-5 record against GSC opponents. 

Julia Enderink was one of the most successful Warhawks in 2018. She, along with Fossemeier, compiled eight wins with all of them coming in the six position. Enderink also had a winning record against conference teams, going 6-4. 

Alba De la Torre recorded the most wins last season, boasting a record of 12-5. De La Torre also had her way with the GSC, compiling an impressive 10-1 record. 

"They have shown a lot of maturity in every aspect," said Banuelos. "Practices, they know what to expect, so they are working harder and are more focused on their goals. They know what to expect and newcomer Svenja Petri has been great for us, adjusting very quickly to college tennis."

THE SCHEDULE 

The 2019 season will begin with a pair of home matches against former NAIA rival Middle Georgia State at the AUM Tennis Complex at 1 p.m. on February. 1, then a regional matchup against the Spring Hill College Badgers on Feb. 2 starting at 10 a.m.

AUM will then jump into conference game with a pair of road matches against Christian Brothers on Feb. 8, and Shorter on Feb. 12. 

The Warhawks will conclude a four-game road trip with a visit to Pensacola, Fla, to take on Florida Southern on Feb. 15 and then the team will head north to Augusta, Ga. to take on Augusta University on Feb. 17. 

Two GSC opponents will then come to Montgomery, including 2018 national championship runner-up West Florida Argonauts on Feb. 22. The West Georgia Wolves will conclude the short two-game homestand with a matchup against the Warhawks on Feb. 27. 

AUM will open the month of March with a road matchup against Nova Southeastern on March 4, before returning home to host the Columbus State Cougars two days later on March 6. 

The Orange & Black will embark on a five-game road trip through Mississippi and Texas starting with a matchup against Division I foe Jackson State. 
The Warhawks will then play four games in four days in San Antonio, Tx. AUM will open up with St. Mary's University (Tx) on March 11, before taking on Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Tarleton State, and St. Edward's University over the next three days. 

AUM will return from their longest road trip of the season with two straight home games against Southern Arkansas on March 19, then GSC foe Alabama Huntsville on March 23. 

The final six opponents the Warhawks will face are all conference teams. Starting with a quick trip through Mississippi with matchups against Mississippi College on March 30, and Delta State on April 7. 

AUM will finish the season with home games in three of their final four games. Valdosta State comes to Montgomery on April 11, followed by Lee on April 13, and finally West Alabama on April 20 to close out the home schedule. The 2019 season will conclude with a visit to Montevallo on April 24, a 3 p.m start.

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