LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The Bulldogs matched up against the University of Saint Mary (Kan.) on Thursday Morning (Feb. 29) at the Genesis Health Club-Clayview. Concordia got behind early but then won five straight for a 5-2 victory over the Spires. Mariana Molano and Alana Lopez-Pagan collected wins in singles and in their doubles match together.
With this triumph, the Bulldogs are 4-3 overall and can build on their schedule moving forward. Head Coach Lisa Hart commented on the team response to getting down early and the team coming together.
“We dug ourselves in a hole and got down 2-0 quickly. I’m very proud of our depth and how well we competed throughout our lineup in singles. Some teams get down early and fall apart, but our girls were able to stay together. Our team continues to grow and get better. We look forward to playing these four duals in six days.”
Molano and Lopez-Pagan at No. 2s, grabbed the only doubles win (6-3) as Saint Mary took the doubles point. Chakira Derman fell at No. 1 singles as the visitors were back two points in the early going.
No. 2 Molano had to fight for her point, as she grabbed the first set (6-4) then fell in a tiebreak set (5-7). She claimed victory in the third set tiebreak (10-5) over Cortlyn Wolfe. Tessa Blough (No. 3) defeated her opponent in the first set (6-2) but had to hold onto her second set (7-5).
Alexa Richert at No. 5, won over Arsys Rojas, only giving up one game (6-1, 6-0) in the straight set victory. No. 4 Lopez-Pagan claimed the team win with a 6-4, 6-1, clinching the triumph over Mia Rojas.
No. 6 Lauren Gottberg added on for good measure in a three set win (1-6, 6-2, 15-13) comeback over Taimane Cajudoy.
Concordia (4-3) will face Sterling College (1-1) of Kansas at the SC Tennis Facility on Mar. 2. First toss is expected at 11 a.m. CT.
