Men move to 5-1, women earn first win of season
FREMONT, Neb. – Both Concordia University tennis teams played two matches on a bustling Saturday in Fremont, Neb. The Bulldog men swept through Midland, 8-1, and Morningside, 5-4, to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 to open GPAC play. Meanwhile, the Concordia women topped Midland 7-2 prior to a loss by the same score to Morningside.
The win for the women was their first of the 2014 season. At 5-1, the men have already equaled their win total from 2013.
The men avenged a 9-0 loss last season by squeaking past Morningside in the second match of the day. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead after doubles but found themselves in trouble after dropping tight decisions at each of the top four singles bouts.
Competing in his first match of the season, junior Jonathan Heckman came through with a crucial win at No. 6, 1-6, 6-3, 10-5, that helped secure the win over the Mustangs.
“They destroyed us last year,” said graduate assistant coach James Ingrahm. “That just proves that we are doing the right things on the court. Hard work always pays off. I was most impressed with how tactful we were in doubles.”
The triumph over Midland came in lopsided fashion as the Bulldogs won all but one match and three sets. Concordia swept doubles and took the top five singles matches against the Warriors, who fell to 1-2.
On the women’s side, the Bulldogs got a confidence boost with their first victory of the season. Concordia did not lose a single set while getting forfeit wins at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles against Midland.
“I’m very happy that the ladies got to taste victory today,” Ingrahm said. “Everyone played very well.”
Individually, senior Katelyn Koll continued her mastery of GPAC opponents. The native of Wilber, Neb., is now 13-3 in singles play versus GPAC opponents since the start of her sophomore season. On Saturday she defeated Midland’s Jordane Watkins, 6-2, 6-3, and Morningside’s Katie Hanson, 6-3, 6-3.
The Bulldogs also got two wins each at the 2 and 3 singles spots occupied by juniors Grace Hollenbeck and Elyse Kohl, respectively. Both are 4-2 overall on the season.
The Concordia men’s and women’s tennis squads are scheduled to return to action on Tuesday when they travel to North Newton, Kan., to take on Bethel College. The action is set to get underway at 3 p.m.
