TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo women's tennis team celebrated its outstanding 2021 season at its postseason banquet earlier this week, handing out awards to several players.
 
The Rockets finished their season with an overall record of 15-7 and an 11-3 mark in MAC play, good for a second-place league finish. Toledo ended the year on a scorching nine-match winning streak and ended the season by overcoming a 3-0 deficit to beat 2021 MAC Champion Ball State, 4-3.
 
"This has been an incredibly special group to work with," head coach Tracy Mauntler said. "I've never enjoyed going to practice more than I did this season. These players really bought into the grind and embraced every moment. I feel very confident about the future of this program as we return all nine players."
 
Freshman Cassie Alcala was named Team MVP and Newcomer of the Year. The Pickerington, Ohio native was remarkable in her first season with the Rockets, posting a singles record of 18-4, playing all but two matches on the top court this season. The three-time MAC Singles Player of the Week honoree finished the season by winning 10 of her final 11 matches.
 
Fellow freshman Shalini Tallamraju earned the Most Improved Player Award. Tallamraju proved to be a crucial player for the Rockets down the stretch, also winning 10 of her final 11 singles matches and ending the year on a five-match winning streak. She provided the clinching point in three matches this season, and was 7-1 when playing on the No. 5 court.
 
Sophomore Sloane Teske was named the Rocket Award winner, annually given to the best teammate, and junior Christina Fuller earned the Leadership Award. Teske posted a 13-9 singles record, playing the bulk of the season on the No. 2 court. Teaming up with Alcala in doubles play, the duo posted a record of 10-3 playing on the top court. Fuller played in seven matches, all doubles contests, and posted victories with three different teammates.
 
"Talent is only a part of what made this team successful," Mauntler said. "What they have accomplished with this record-breaking season goes far beyond talent. They are better because of each other. They fight harder because of each other. They make each other better."