COLLEGE TENNIS: Walker helps Methodist return to NCAA Division III playoffs

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 11, 2017 9:59 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

SEWANEE, Tenn. -- The excitement resonates in Ashton Walker's voice.

So does the humility.

Pride swells within her heart.

The Methodist University sophomore feels blessed not only about her personal achievements on the tennis court, but the opportunity to play -- and start -- for the Monarchs, one of the nation's perennial Division III women's powerhouses.

"I'm just really thankful that I'm part of Methodist and their team," Walker said.

Ah, modesty.

In just two seasons, the Charles B. Aycock grad has done more than most four-year seniors accomplish during their respective careers on any collegiate level.

She jumped from the No. 4 singles slot to No. 1 this spring.

The reserved Walker, not surprisingly, said it wasn't a goal.

"Everything picked up as soon as we started practice," she said. "I knew I wanted to be better than I was last year...am competitive and want to compete at a high level. I didn't have the goal of being number one.

"I think I improved on every aspect -- serve, forehand, backhand -- and overall outlook on the game."

Walker filed a 19-9 worksheet, that included a 14-7 record at the No. 1 slot. She helped lead MU to its 21st USA South Conference regular-season championship, and ninth tournament crown.

The reward?

A second consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament, which starts Friday. Methodist (17-6) opens play today against Rose Hulman (14-3) with No. 3-ranked Emory (GA) University waiting in the wings on Saturday.

"Not a lot of teams get to go to the NCAAs, especially two years in a row," Walker said. "It's just awesome. It's a blessing that we get to go again this year. We're looking forward to the opportunity."

The Monarchs are making their ninth postseason appearance since 2007 and are in the midst of a 10-match win streak that started after a 9-0 loss to No. 24-ranked Christopher Newport (VA) University in mid-March.

Walker has been equally as good.

She's emerged victorious in three consecutive matches and nine of her last 10 overall.

"I don't know," Walker said of the late-season surge that led to first-team all-USA South Conference recognition, one year after she earned a spot on the all-USA South second team.

"I think I was definitely more mentally tough this year. I told myself I wanted to compete at a high level this year, keep continuing to get better."

Methodist's strength has been its team dynamic.

Plus, the Monarchs field a starting lineup that's strong from top to bottom and competitive in both singles and doubles. Although they've shown some late-season fatigue from the grind of regular-season play, they've displayed a positive attitude during practice and a positive outlook about what lies ahead.

MU is 6-10 all-time in NCAA tournament play and has won six opening-round matches during its last eight trips. The Monarchs defeated John Carroll in first-round action a year ago.

Emory ousted the Monarchs the next round.

Does Walker and her teammates want to see them again?

"If we do play them, they're definitely a challenge, but they make our level (of play) rise because we always look forward to playing better teams," she said. "It's always a learning experience and you get to grow from teams like that."

Or, in Walker's case, it just gives you another goal to set.