New Kearney Tennis Facility Hosts DII Women’s Championship

The Ernest Grundy Tennis Center in Kearney was the site of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II National Women’s Team Indoor Championship Feb. 24-26, 2023. Even though the Lopers lost in the first round to top-ranked Barry University, coach Shafer said they competed well during the weekend. 

“Having been indoors since October, we’ve really gotten comfortable in our new home and we played without nerves and confidently,” he said. “We play in a really competitive conference and our conference schedule typically starts after spring break so it’s really important to have as many competitive matches as possible leading up to the conference stretch.”

Shafer said the turnout for the tournament was really good, especially for the three UNK matches, and he was glad to put the Ernest Grundy Tennis Center on national display. The women went on to play Indianapolis on Saturday (L, 1-4) and Central Oklahoma on Sunday (L, 3-4). Barry University out of Miami Shores, Florida, went on to win the tournament. 

“Beyond what the tournament is for my team it’s also great exposure for our tennis program, facility and university,” Shafer added. “It’s not hyperbole when I say this indoor facility is the newest and best in all of D2. We’re very fortunate to have it here and I believe it will play a big role in the future of our tennis program in terms of the level of our program and competition.”