Reckewey collects first career coaching victory in 9-0 win over CSM

SEWARD, Neb. – After a layoff of nearly two weeks, the Concordia University women’s tennis team returned to action on Friday evening and recorded its first win of the season. The Bulldogs dominated visiting College of Saint Mary, 9-0, in a match held inside the Walz Fieldhouse.

The victory was the first in the collegiate head coaching career of Concordia’s Joel Reckewey, who was named to his post in April 2014. The Bulldogs are now 1-2 overall.

Reckewey liked the way his team responded in its third outing of the young season.

“I think the team played real well. Being our first home match, the team was really looking forward to it,” Reckewey said. “We had an off week so we had some time to prepare. I thought the girls came out and played some good tennis right from the start. I was really pleased.”

A lineup that once again included four freshmen featured Annie Horn at the top. After playing at No. 2 in her first two career matches, the native of Denver, Colo., moved up a spot and earned a 6-3, 6-0 win over the Flames’ Alyse Lysgaard. Horn also teamed up with senior Grace Hollenbeck for a dominant 8-1 win at No. 1 doubles.

“The first couple matches I played No. 2 singles and that really helped get my confidence up,” Horn said. “Even getting to play just one spot down helped with my rallies. Today was my first match playing at No. 1 singles. My confidence was there and it worked out.”

At No. 5 singles, Hannah Boe claimed a hard fought, 9-8 (6), tie-break win over Sydney Svehla. Afterwards, Reckewey commended Boe for her toughness in a tight match.

“She really had to overcome some challenges but ended up getting the job done,” Reckewey said of Boe. “It was really good how she showed the team she would never quit and never give up. She earned it.”

The rest of the victorious singles lineup included Hollenbeck at No. 2, Elyse Kohl at No. 3, Emily Meisinger at No. 4 and Amanda VonSeggern at No. 6. At No. 2 doubles, Kohl and Meisinger swept away Mirtha Gutierrez and Kenzie Hyde, 8-0.

The Flames, now 1-6 overall, are a member of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. They will become the 12th member of the GPAC beginning with the 2015-16 season.

The Bulldogs turn around quickly to host Tabor College as part of a men’s and women’s doubleheader set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Both the Bluejay men and women entered Friday matches at Doane with records of 0-1.