GRINNELL, Iowa – The Concordia University women’s tennis team got a taste of some top-notch competition Sunday (March 8) afternoon as spring break got started. Host Grinnell College of NCAA Division III blanked the Bulldogs, 9-0, at Bear Center Field House in Grinnell, Iowa. The three doubles matches were each counted individually towards the team scoring.
Second-year head coach David DeSimone’s squad had been coming off a 4-3 road victory over Baker University (Kan.). Concordia is 4-2 overall with three matches left this week. Meanwhile, the Pioneers are a perfect 12-0.
“Grinnell is very good,” DeSimone said. “We had some good things happening on every court. We can walk away from that match with some specific items with which each person can continue to find success as our season progresses. It was a good opportunity for our team to have this match leading up to conference play.”
After posting a 16-9 overall mark last season, Grinnell may be primed for even bigger things in 2020. The Midwest Conference member did not have to sweat the outcome of many of the nine matches on Sunday. The hope is that this competition will make the Bulldogs better. At the No. 3 singles spot, junior Ansley Gates pushed Izzy Green (6-0, 6-3 decision) in the second set. DeSimone saw progress beyond the raw scores.
The tour of NCAA D-III foes within the state of Iowa will continue on Monday when Concordia will be at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. First serve is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs will also take on Central College on Wednesday and Simpson College on Thursday.