SEMO senior hoping for one last ring

SEMO's Daniela Hlacikova awaits her opponent's serve during a March. 15 match between the Redhawks and Lindenwood.

Photo Courtesy of Carrie Trovillion - Freelance Photographer

SEMO tennis senior Daniela Hlacikova has had one of the most successful careers ever seen in a Redhawks uniform. Hlacikova’s trophy case contains two Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championships and a regular-season championship, along with being named 2023 OVC Player of the Year, only the second SEMO player to ever achieve the accolade.

Hlacikova, originally from Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, has won five out of her last six singles matches and seven doubles matches in a row with her partner Juliette Talieu. The Redhawks are 2-0 so far in the OVC with rival SIUE coming to town next, this match could very well be a conference tournament championship preview.

Hlacikova said if the team continues to progress then they will have a good shot to defend their 2023 title.

“I think if we keep playing like we are playing right now and we have a couple of good matches, and we keep that up, I think we have a good chance to get that [OVC Championship] again,” Hlacikova said.

SEMO's Daniela Hlacikova hits the ball during a March. 15 match between the Redhawks and Lindenwood.

Most recently, Hlacikova defeated Lindenwood’s Fabiana Labrador in dominating fashion, winning 6-2 and 6-1 in straight games. Hlacikova along with Talieu also dominated their doubles match, defeating Labrador and Sarah Ben Aba 6-1.

Although Hlacikova’s time as a Redhawk has been nothing short of incredible, like any athlete she wants to go out on top. SEMO head coach Mary Beth Gunn said Hlacikova is not satisfied with three rings, she and the entire team would like nothing more than a third OVC title in a row.

“She's had a historic career here. She was OVC player of the year last year. She's starting undefeated in the conference right now, so she's been a huge part of our program,” Gunn said. “She has three rings and she wants a fourth, honestly she's not satisfied with that.”

Hlacikova and the Redhawks will battle with the Cougars of SIUE on March. 23 at 2 p.m. at the John C. Bierk Redhawks Tennis Complex.