A new era of SMU women's tennis officially began on Friday with a pair of 6-1 wins against Air Force and Abilene Christian at the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex.

It was the first win with the Mustangs for new head coach Kelcy McKenna and junior transfer Natalie Stasny, and the first collegiate wins for freshmen Ellie Mireles, Addison Comiskey and Eliana Kook.

"We're super excited to be in Dallas and at SMU, and to finally have a chance to watch them all compete together," McKenna said. "They put in so much work in our preseason block, and to see all of the practice come to fruition in our first match was just really fun, super exciting as a coach. I think we as the staff are just looking ahead to every match with excitement and enthusiasm for a new place, a new start."

Even though players were in matches and tournaments in the fall, Friday brought the first official ones of the season. It was also the first time Comiskey and Kook played as doubles partners, and they were the first to win 6-0, while the pairs of Mireles and Caroline McGinley (6-1) and Stasny and Sophie Llewellyn (5-2, unfinished) had only played together a couple of times.

It was also the first time the Mustangs were competing together as a team and their first chance to play at home.

"They had the opportunity a few times in the fall where we played, maybe simultaneously, next to each other, so I think they've had a little taste of it," McKenna said. "But to get to play your first match at home — we didn't have any fall events at home — so I think that was really special (Friday). So really excited for them."

Only McGinley and Llewellyn had done that before at SMU. 

Llewellyn came in last season and quickly took over the No. 1 singles spot in the lineup, which she still holds. McGinley is a junior who helped the Mustangs win a conference title and reach the second round of the NCAA tournament during her freshman campaign.

Now they are trying to bring a new group together—on and off the court.

"They're really a unifying force with the rest of the group. We've done a ton of team dinners, learning everyone's likes and dislikes," McKenna said. "So I think it's been very fun to have them get to know each other off the court and just some new experiences. …  I think they've done a really great job just stepping up into that role as leaders, and also, Caroline and Sophie both have that spark. I think just being kind of the plug for the team is awesome for us, especially as brand-new coaches to SMU."

But there is also something to be said about being uncomfortable, and success comes from managing that discomfort. Throughout the season, the coaching staff will find ways to challenge its players, create difficult situations and find ways to grow from them.

Early in the year, everything will be a little uncomfortable. And the Mustangs passed the first tests. 

"I think that we responded well in the moments in our first match," McKenna said. "And we know that, as the season continues and as our ACC schedule opens up, those moments are going to become increasingly more important. … I think we're going to grow into that. I think for our first match, I think we were excited. Great first match. Air Force is super disciplined, so I think we did a good job of just managing ourselves."

Next up for SMU is a trip to Wichita State on Monday before hosting UTRGV and Elon next Sunday at noon and 4 p.m., respectively. 

As the season goes on, the Mustangs are figuring it out together.

"I think a lot of people are learning a lot of new things and getting to know each other," McKenna said. "And for me, that's really fun, because I think new things are exciting. I also think it comes with some difficulties, and everybody's been so great at helping us find solutions. And you just can't beat that."