The American River College women’s tennis team performed strongly in its match against Folsom Lake College on April 16, though athlete eligibility issues meant an automatic loss.

According to Haley VanOrman, the most senior player of the team, the team played well overall.

“Singles went really well for me personally, with 6-0 and 6-1,” VanOrman said. “It was fun to play other people instead of just ourselves.”

Jaycie Savage, VanOrman’s doubles partner, also did well in the singles match, beating her opponent with 6-1 and 6-2.

In the doubles match, Savage and VanOrman defeated their opponents 8-2.

Stacey Lee, the remaining ARC athlete who played at the match, lost to her opponent 6-2 and 6-0. Due to eligibility issues, ARC didn’t have a full team playing, so the team had to forfeit the match.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the five-woman team wasn’t allowed to practice until spring break. They’ll be squeezing in four matches during the short season, with two matches against FLC and two matches against Sacramento City College. Cosumnes River College has pulled out due to not having a full team.

According to Coach Steven Dunmore, the team lost four starters last fall. The other teams in the district have also been having difficulties with keeping players due to COVID-19 uncertainties.

As a result, the level of competition has been much lower than usual.

“They’re [the other Los Rios district teams] not really a challenge right now, to be honest,” Dunmore said. “We’re just happy to be playing. Just happy to be in California in the sunshine playing tennis.”

ARC will play against SCC on April 23.