PUEBLO, Colo. (Feb. 9, 2021) - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's tennis team begins the 2021 season Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Air Force. The match is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Friday, the ThunderWolves will open the home portion of the season with a match at the Pueblo Tennis Center against University of New Mexico beginning at 10:30 a.m. No fans will be allowed at the home match Friday.

THE PACK

The ThunderWolves return six student-athletes from last season, led by junior Kali Hamilton (Grapevine, Texas). Hamilton won twice at the No. 1 singles spot last season and held that position in all but one dual. She combined with Tilly Blasdale (R-Fr., Dover, United Kingdom) for a 4-6 overall doubles record, which included a 3-5 record at the No. 1 spot in dual competition. 

The Pack totaled 11 dual matches last season before the season abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSU Pueblo begins the new season with a new coach, as Beau Fresquez was named the Interim Head Tennis Coach in September. Fresquez graduated from CSU Pueblo in 2010 after a successful playing career that included All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team Doubles and Second Team Singles. As a senior, he helped the ThunderWolves to the NCAA Division II Central Region Championships. Fresquez returned to the Pack for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons as an assistant coach for both the ThunderWolves men's and women's tennis programs. A Pueblo native, Fresquez is currently the Tennis Coordinator with the City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation.

THE OPPONENTS

Air Force comes into the match with a 1-1 record. The Falcons defeated Metro State University of Denver 5-2 on Jan. 30 and lost to University of Denver 6-1 on Feb. 5. Air Force returns five letterwinners from last season, headlined by senior team captain Meredith Jones. The Falcons also welcome three newcomers to the team.

New Mexico starts their season at Metro State Thursday before traveling to Pueblo to play the ThunderWolves. The Lobos have six student-athletes returning from last season and have added three newcomers. 

NEXT UP

The ThunderWolves will travel to Colorado College Feb. 26 for a 1 p.m. match and then host CC March 7 at 12 p.m. at Pueblo City Park. 

-- PACK --