LINCOLN, Neb. – The Bulldogs clashed with Ottawa University (Kan.) and competed in a match that concluded with Concordia University, Nebraska taking the 5-2 triumph. The contest featured a standout performance by Ishane Derman at the Genesis Racquet Club. The contest was moved to Friday (Feb. 21), resulting in the match being played in Lincoln.
Head Coach Lisa Hart’s squad has reached a 3-1 overall record after defeating the Braves.
“Proud of our girls to get the win,” Coach Hart said. “Obviously with Ottawa having four open spots that took the pressure off a lot of our players. Ishane played really well and has been a great addition for us this year. She showed grit to win the tiebreaker after losing the second set. We will have a little bit of a break before Baker and then we can get back after it.”
Concordia got off to a great start at No. 3 singles. Ishane Derman dominated Ottawa’s Camryn Medina, 6-1, 2-6, 10-6 clinching the fifth team point for the Bulldogs. The freshman, put of Lomé, Togo, Africa, remains unbeaten (4-0) in dual singles play.
At No. 1 singles, Valeria Rodriguez overcame Mariana Molano (6-4, 6-3) with a steady performance. Likewise, Paula Persson at No. 2 singles, defeated Chakira Derman, 6-2, 7-5.
In doubles play, Ottawa (Kan.) opened strong at the No. 1s position. Valeria Rodriguez and Paula Persson defeated Concordia’s Tessa Blough and Alexa Richert, 6-2. However, Ottawa’s advantage evaporated as they forfeited the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles matches due to insufficient players. Concordia’s Chakira Derman and Mariana Molano, as well as Alana Lopez Pagan and Ishane Derman, secured default wins, giving the Bulldogs a 4-0 lead entering singles play after defaulting four points.
The match’s outcome hinged on Ottawa’s inability to field players in the lower singles flights. With no competitors for 4, 5, and 6 singles, Concordia’s Alexa Richert, Nina Milic, and Tessa Blough earned default victories, adding three points to their tally. This highlighted the critical role of roster depth for the Braves.
The Bulldogs (3-1) will have a little over a week to prepare for Baker University (0-1) of Kansas as their next opponent. Concordia will host the Wildcats inside Walz Fieldhouse on Saturday (Mar. 1) at 1 p.m. CT.