2020-21 Women's Tennis Schedule/Results
10-7 overall | 6-1 GPAC (T-1st) | Season Stats | Roster
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time/Result | Record |
| Sept. 5 | Buena Vista University (Iowa) | Seward, Neb. (Outdoor) | CANCELED | |
| Sept. 12 | William Jewell College (Mo.) | Seward, Neb. (Outdoor) | W, 5-2 | 1-0 |
| Sept. 18-19 | GPAC Individual Tournament | Lincoln, Neb. | 10 a.m. | |
| Sept. 25-27 | ITA Central Regional Championships | Winfield, Kan. | 8:30 a.m. | |
| Feb. 20 | Sterling College (Kan.) | Hutchinson, Kan. | W, 4-3 | 2-0 |
| Feb. 27 | Bethany College (Kan.) | Lincoln, Neb. | W, 5-2 | 3-0 |
| March 11 | Bethel College (Kan.) | North Newton, Kan. | L, 3-4 | 3-1 |
| March 12 | Iowa Central Community College | Seward, Neb. | L, 1-6 | 3-2 |
| March 13 | Tabor College (Kan.) | Seward, Neb. | L, 2-5 | 3-3 |
| March 20 | Emporia State University (Kan.) | Seward, Neb. | L, 0-7 | 3-4 |
| March 24 | Junior Varsity at Doane | Crete, Neb. | 4:30 p.m. | |
| March 27 | *Morningside College | Seward, Neb. | W, 4-3 | 4-4, 1-0 |
| March 30 | *Hastings College | Seward, Neb. | W, 6-1 | 5-4, 2-0 |
| April 8 | Baker University (Kan.) | Lawrence, Kan. | L, 2-5 | 5-5 |
| April 10 | *Mount Marty University | Seward, Neb. | W, 7-0 | 6-5, 3-0 |
| April 12 | *College of Saint Mary | Omaha, Neb. (Koch TC) | W, 4-3 | 7-5, 4-0 |
| April 17 | *Northwestern College | Orange City, Iowa | W, 7-0 | 8-5, 5-0 |
| April 20 | *Doane University (JV & Varsity) | Seward, Neb. | L, 1-6 | 8-6, 5-1 |
| April 27 | *Midland University | Fremont, Neb. | W, 4-3 | 9-6, 6-1 |
| GPAC Tennis Championships: April 30 - May 1 | ||||
| April 30 | Hastings College (Quarterfinals) | Fremont, Neb. | W, 4-0 | 10-6 |
| April 30 | Morningside College (Semifinals) | Fremont, Neb. | L, 0-4 | 10-7 |
2020-21 Roster
| Name | Ht. | Yr. | Hometown | Previous School |
| Luisa Esquivel | 5-4 | Jr. | Morelia, Mexico | Universidad La Salle |
| Tara Ferrel | 5-9 | So. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln North Star |
| Ansley Gates | 5-5 | Sr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Southwest |
| Megan Hakes | 5-6 | Jr. | Erie, Colo. | Erie |
| Katy Krejci | 5-7 | Jr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Southwest |
| Allison Marshall | 5-4 | Sr. | Woodbury, Minn. | East Ridge |
| Claudia Miranda Viera | 5-7 | Sr. | Torrejon, Spain | IES Valle-Inclan |
| Sofia Morales | 5-4 | Fr. | Bogota, Colombia | Gimnasio Bolivar |
| Julia Phillips | 5-11 | Fr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Christian HS |
| Kaitlin Seja | 5-5 | Sr. | Loveland, Colo. | Thompson Valley |
| Madi Smith | 5-1 | So. | Lee's Summit, Mo. | Lee's Summit North |
STAFF
David DeSimone, Head Coach (3rd Year)
Thomas Greeff, Graduate Assistant Coach
Schedule release: 2021 Women’s Tennis
October 22, 2020
2021 Women’s Tennis Schedule | PDF
SEWARD, Neb. – The 2021 Concordia University Women’s Tennis schedule has been announced as of Thursday (Oct. 22). The official start of the campaign will be on Feb. 13 as the Bulldogs host Bethel College (Kan.) at the Genesis Racquet Club in Lincoln, Neb. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
The 2020 season will mark Head Coach David Desimone’s third season at Concordia. He guided the women’s program to a 15-6 record in 2019 and a GPAC Championship. As a result of his efforts, Desimone was named GPAC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs had a 6-3 record last year before COVID canceled the remainder of the season. Concordia returns a senior duo of All-GPAC performers in Allison Marshall and Claudia Miranda Viera.
Concordia will compete in 13 official regular-season matches (prior to the GPAC Championships). The slate consists of seven home matches and seven GPAC matches. The home opener will take place on March 12, as the Bulldogs host Iowa Western Community College. The schedule includes Division II opponent Emporia State on March 20. The match will be the first-ever between the Bulldogs and the Hornets.
The GPAC Championships will be hosted by Midland University in Fremont, Neb., on April 30 and March 1. The NAIA National Championships will take place May 18-22, at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.
2021 Schedule
2/13 – Bethel College (Kan.)
2/20 – Sterling College (Kan.)
3/12 – Iowa Western Community College
3/13 – Tabor College (Kan.)
3/20 – Emporia State University (Kan.)
3/27 – *Morningside College
3/30 – *Hastings College
4/8 – Baker University (Kan.)
4/10 – *Mount Marty University
4/12 – *College of Saint Mary
4/17 – *Northwestern College
4/20 – *Doane University
4/27 – *Midland University
4/30 – 5/1 – GPAC Tennis Championships
5/18 – 5/22 – NAIA National Tennis Championships
Concordia ranked third in GPAC preseason poll
January 29, 2021
NAIA Women’s Tennis Conference Rankings
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Tennis team has landed at No. 3 in the GPAC preseason rating. Rankings for all NAIA women’s tennis conferences were unveiled on Monday (Jan. 25) by the NAIA. The Bulldogs checked in behind Doane and College of Saint Mary. No GPAC team garnered votes in the NAIA preseason national poll.
Third-year Head Coach David DeSimone’s women’s program finished 2020 with an overall mark of 6-3 before the season was shut down due to COVID-19. The campaign ended prior to the start of conference play. Back in 2019, Concordia placed third in the GPAC regular-season standings (5-2 league record) and then advanced to the GPAC tournament title match (runner up to Hastings). Notable veteran returners incude the likes of Tara Ferrel, Ansley Gates and Claudia Miranda Viera.
The 2020-21 season officially started back in the fall. The Bulldogs earned a 5-2 win over NCAA Division II William Jewell College (Mo.) and competed in two individual bracket style events – the GPAC Tournament and the ITA Central Regional Championships. The season is slated to resume on Feb. 20 with a match at Sterling College (Kan.).
Season Preview: 2021 Concordia Women's Tennis
February 10, 2021
Head Coach: David DeSimone (21-9, 3rd season)
2020 Record: 6-3 overall, 0-0 GPAC (season cut short due to COVID-19)
Key Returners: Tara Ferrel (Fr.); Ansley Gates (Jr.); Claudia Miranda Viera (Jr.).
Key Losses: Angela Bell; Allison Marshall; Lindee Schultz; Kirsten Wagner.
Key Newcomers: Sofia Morales; Julia Phillips.
2019 GPAC All-Conference: David DeSimone (coach of the year); Angela Bell (singles); Marlene Maier (singles/doubles); Allison Marshall (singles; doubles honorable mention); Claudia Miranda Viera (singles/doubles); Kirsten Wagner (singles; doubles honorable mention); Katelinn Wurm (singles honorable mention).
*No All-GPAC team announced in 2020
Outlook
The last time the Concordia University Women’s Tennis program finished out a full season, it nearly won the 2019 GPAC tournament title. The near miss was evidence of a program on the rise, one that can realistically dream of making a run to a national tournament appearance. During the brief fall portion of this 2020-21 season, the Bulldogs earned a win over William Jewell College (Mo.) and put forth a series of impressive outings in two individual tournaments.
Now in his third season as Head Coach, David DeSimone leads a program that has frequently placed in the top three or four of the GPAC in recent seasons. With a key addition near the top of the lineup, Concordia may be set up for another postseason run.
“We have a veteran group,” DeSimone said. “They have played a lot of matches and are really growing their games and maturing as tennis players. It really helps those younger players out. Having some matches (in the fall) was important and beneficial for us. The individual tournaments are great for getting matches. We know what we need to work on with each individual player. That is really the next step for us – owning our individual games and taking the next step that way.”
A past all-conference performer, Claudia Miranda Viera played in the top spot of the lineup in the 5-2 win over William Jewell. Miranda Viera, Tara Ferrel and Ansley Gates have been regulars since at least last season. In 2020 singles matches, Ferrel went 5-2 while Gates posted a record of 4-2. As a team, the Bulldogs are used to winning, having gone 22-9 in dual meets since the start of the 2018-19 season.
A native of Bogotá, Colombia, Sofia Morales will immediately help Concordia replace some of the significant roster departures, such as Allison Marshall and Kirsten Wagner. Morales and Miranda Viera collaborated on an upset of the No. 6 seed in the doubles competition of the ITA Regional Championships in the fall. Morales also has a singles win under her belt from the William Jewell match.
“She is forming herself to be one of the top players in our conference,” DeSimone said. “I think she will compete with some of the top players in our region. She has a little more growth in her to really take it to that next level and own her game. She has to develop those skills she has and make sure she is utilizing the right shot at the right time. I think if she can do that as she gets a few more matches under her belt. She will be a tough at any spot in the lineup.”
During that special 2019 campaign that saw them reach the GPAC championship match, the Bulldogs also set a new program standard for wins in a season with 15. This current team landed at No. 3 in the GPAC preseason ranking behind Doane and College of Saint Mary. As a member of the 2019 squad, Gates saw firsthand what it took to reach the brink of a conference championship.
“We realized how close we actually are,” Gates said. “And in previous years we did not get that far. So we knew that we were that close, and we need to be the team that wants it more. I would not want to be in Coach’s position (in terms of setting a lineup). I feel like when it comes to the bottom part of the lineup, it can go anywhere.”
In the matchup with William Jewell, Morales was the only newcomer to crack the lineup, which included Miranda Viera, Gates, Katie Seja, Luisa Esquivel and Madi Smith (Katy Krejci also played at No. 2 doubles). As a credit to William Jewell, the Cardinals managed to knock off Morales and Miranda Viera at the No. 1 doubles slot. That combo figures to be successful against conference foes.
In the GPAC individual bracket-style event that took place back on Sept. 18-19, Concordia got an early look at how it stacks up versus GPAC opponents. The most significant highlights included tournament championships from Miranda Viera (B flight singles), Seja (C flight singles), Julia Phillips (D flight singles) and Gates/Seja (B flight doubles). Such results were a clear sign of the team’s depth.
Gates wasn’t afraid to mention “GPAC champs” as an aspiration for this spring. The Bulldogs will have to overcome a perennially strong program like Hastings and preseason favorite Doane, another team on the rise.
“Our expectations for both teams this year are the same as every year,” DeSimone said. “To be playing our best tennis at the end of the season when it really matters most, both conference regular season and postseason tournament. If we are putting in the work and getting some good quality matches in our nonconference part of the season, we’ll be able to make a good push for a conference title. That is the goal each year.”
The 2020-21 season is slated to pick back up on Saturday, Feb. 20 with a match at Sterling College in Hutchison, Kan. If things go as planned, Concordia will make its first home appearance of the spring on March 12.
Depth on display in victory at Sterling
February 21, 2021
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Lineup depth proved to be a difference maker as the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team ventured into action for the first time during the spring portion of the 2020-21 season. In a dual contest at Sterling College in Hutchinson, Kan., on Saturday (Feb. 20), the Bulldogs triumphed in two of three doubles matches and then split singles in the process of earning a 4-3 victory. The matches took place inside Prairie Dunes Country Club.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad improved to 2-0 in this season. Concordia also topped William Jewell College (Mo.) on Sept. 12.
This one could have gone either way considering three singles matches were decided by tiebreakers, two of which were won by the Warriors. At No. 6 singles, Concordia’s Luisa Esquivel managed to eke out a critical tiebreaker. Singles wins were also produced by Bulldogs in Claudia Miranda Viera, 7-6, 6-1, at No. 2, and Katy Krejci, 6-1, 6-3, at No. 5. DeSimone put freshman Sofia Morales at the top of the lineup while Tara Ferrel and Ansley Gates held down the Nos. 3 and 4 spots.
Concordia picked up the doubles point thanks to the work of Esquivel and Morales at No. 2 and Gates and Julia Phillips at No. 3. Both matches finished with 6-4 scores. At No. 1, the Sterling duo of Nicole Marin and Maddie Thrasher got the best of Ferrel and Miranda Viera, 6-4.
This marked the first dual match of the 2020-21 season for the Warriors, who compete as a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Last February Sterling shut out the Bulldogs, 7-0, in a matchup that took place in Lincoln, Neb.
The Bulldogs will be much closer to home next Saturday (Feb. 27) when they take on another KCAC opponent in Bethany College (Kan.). That match will begin at 3 p.m. CT and will be held inside Genesis Racquet Club in Lincoln. The two programs last met in 2019 with the result being a 9-0 Concordia win.
Miranda Viera stars, Dawgs move to 3-0
February 27, 2021
LINCOLN, Neb. – While depth is a strength for the Concordia University Women’s Tennis, the Bulldogs can also compete at the top. Junior Claudia Miranda Viera starred at the No. 1 position in both singles and doubles as Concordia remained unbeaten thanks to a 5-2 win over Bethany College (Kan.) on Saturday (Feb. 27). The match was contested inside Genesis Racquet Club in Lincoln, Neb.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad has also defeated William Jewell College (Mo.) and Sterling College (Kan.) during the 2020-21 season.
“We started off the day playing well in doubles,” DeSimone said. “Claudia and Tara (Ferrel) came back from a slow start to take the set, which was very encouraging to see. We played a lot of tiebreakers and were fortunate to battle through some nerves during those tight moments and get some good wins.”
The Nos. 1 and 2 doubles partners came through for the Bulldogs when play got underway in the afternoon. Miranda Viera teamed up with Tara Ferrel on a 6-4 win at No. 1 while Luisa Esquivel and Katy Krejci collaborated on a victory by the same score at No. 2.
Three of the six singles matches were decided by tiebreakers. That was the case at No. 1 where Miranda Viera persevered after dropping the first set. Krejci also outlasted her opponent in a tiebreaker at No. 4. At the bottom of the lineup, Esquivel (No. 5) and Kaitlin Seja (No. 6) needed less dramatics while helping clinch the team win. Ferrel lost her tiebreaker at No. 2 and Ansley Gates also dropped a close one at No. 3 (6-4, 6-4).
Through three dual matches, Concordia has gone a combined 11-7 in singles and 6-3 in doubles. Krejci and Seja are both 2-0 in their singles outings.
Bethany slipped to 0-2 having also lost at Midland, 6-1, on Feb. 12. The Bulldogs also got the best of the Swedes in 2019 with the result being a 9-0 final score (each doubles match counted as an individual team point).
The Bulldogs will now have a break in the action with the next scheduled match slated for Thursday, March 11 when they will be at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. Match time is set for 11 a.m. CT.
Morales leads way in season’s first defeat
March 11, 2021
NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Freshman Sophia Morales enjoyed a strong day at the top of the lineup while leading the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team in its first match of spring break. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough from to prevent the Bulldogs from enduring their first loss of 2020-21. Host Bethel College eked out a 4-3 decision in a match contested in North Newton, Kan., on Thursday (March 11).
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad (3-1 overall) had previously beaten William Jewell College (Mo.), Sterling College (Kan.) and Bethany College (Kan.) in dual action.
Said DeSimone, “It was not the outcome we had hoped for. There were good things happening on each and every court, but we struggled to put it all together for the course of the entire match. It was good to get our first outdoor match (of the spring) in – that is always a transition. We are fortunate to have an opportunity to get back on the court and work on a few things tomorrow and Saturday.”
A native of Bogotá, Colombia, Morales dominated at No. 1 singles while defeating Halle Krehbiel, 6-0, 6-2. The Bulldogs managed to win three singles matches and one doubles matchup. Other singles victories were claimed by Katy Krejci at No. 5 and Luisa Esquivel at No. 6. Esquivel breezed to victory in a 6-1, 6-1, decision. The singles lineup also featured Claudia Miranda Viera at No. 2 (lost in a tiebreaker) and Tara Ferrel at No. 3.
Morales and Esquivel were winners on the doubles court by a 6-1 score over Naela Payton and Mia Loganbill. At No. 1 doubles, Miranda Viera and Ferrel were narrowly defeated, 7-5. Concordia did not fill the No. 3 doubles slot.
Esquivel (3-1) and Krejci (3-0) have been impressive in singles action this season. In addition, Esquivel and Morales have won twice as doubles partners. As a team, the Bulldogs are 14-10 in singles and 7-5 in doubles matches in 2020-21.
Concordia will return to Seward to host Iowa Central Community College on Friday and Tabor College (Kan.) on Saturday. First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT both days. If the weather allows, the matches will be played on the outdoor courts. If not, they will be moved inside to the Fieldhouse.
Dawgs shut out by Iowa Central
March 12, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – In its first home match of the spring, the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team found itself in an uphill battle against visiting Iowa Central Community College. The Tritons swept through doubles and singles in action (7-0 team score) that occurred on the Bulldog Tennis Courts on Thursday (March 12). Iowa Central dropped only nine games as part of singles play.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad is in the midst of a stretch of three-straight days with a match. Concordia (3-2) also slipped by a 4-3 score at Bethel College (Kan.) on Thursday.
The Tritons gained the upper hand in doubles by taking all three of those matches by identical 6-2 scores. Then in singles, Iowa Central won every set while taking care of business in dominant fashion. Standout Bulldog freshman Sofia Morales was defeated at the No. 1 spot, 6-1, 6-0.
DeSimone’s singles lineup also included Claudia Miranda Viera at No. 2, Tara Ferrel at No. 3, Katy Krejci at No. 4, Kaitlin Seja at No. 5 and Luisa Esquivel at No. 6. In doubles, Ansley Gates jumped into action while teaming up with Seja at the No. 3 position.
The Bulldogs will be right back at home on Saturday to host Tabor College (Kan.). First serve is set for 11 a.m. CT. Should inclement weather interfere, the match will be moved inside to the Fieldhouse.
Esquivel, Hakes earn individual wins in team defeat
March 13, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – Despite stellar play at the back end of the lineup, the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team came up empty on Saturday (March 13) while hosting Tabor College (Kan.). The visiting Bluejays swept their way through doubles and then triumphed in four singles matches on the way to a 5-2 decision. The matchup was contested inside the Fieldhouse due to inclement weather outdoors.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad was tripped up by its opponents three-straight days. The Bulldogs (3-3) were also defeated by Bethel College (Kan.), 4-3, on Thursday and by Iowa Central Community College, 7-0, on Friday.
“The women got off to a slow start and we didn’t have our best stuff in doubles,” DeSimone said. “But we battled and competed well in singles. I am very happy with the way Luisa (Esquivel) and Megan (Hakes) played at 5 and 6, respectively.”
Esquivel (Morelia, Mexico) and Hakes (Erie, Colo.) produced the lone two Concordia wins. Esquivel won at No. 5 singles, 6-1, 6-1, while Hakes took an 8-4 decision at No. 6. The Bulldogs were close to flipping the team score around. They dropped tiebreakers at the Nos. 3 and 4 singles spots, which were held down by Tara Ferrel and Kaitlin Seja, respectively. At the top, Sofia Morales played No. 1 and Claudia Miranda Viera played No. 2 for Concordia.
The results in singles were an improvement after the Bulldogs struggled on the doubles court. Tabor won the doubles matches by scores of 6-0 at No. 1, 6-2 at No. 2 and 6-2 at No. 3.
Tabor (3-6) rebounded from its 5-2 loss at Doane on Friday. The Bluejays compete as a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Concordia will be right back at home next Saturday (March 20) to host NCAA Division II Emporia State University. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT. If the weather allows, the match will be played on the outdoor courts.
Concordia falls to NCAA D-II Emporia State
March 20. 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – In a major home test on Saturday (March 20), the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team dropped all singles and doubles matches while up against NCAA Division II Emporia State University (Kan.). It marked the second time during the 2020-21 season that the Bulldogs have played an NCAA D-II opponent.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad has been tripped up in four-straight matches since the 3-0 start. Concordia is now 3-4 overall. Said DeSimone, “It was good to see us implementing many of the things we have been working on recently. We were playing more aggressively when we could. Now it just comes down to execution.”
Based upon the scores, Claudia Miranda Viera engaged in the most competitive match of the day. She fell by a score of 6-2, 6-3, at No. 2 singles. For the most part, the Hornets dominated while surrendering 16 games in singles action. At the top of the lineup, Emporia State’s Karen Santiago defeated Sofia Morales, 6-2, 6-0.
In doubles, the Hornets took all six games at the Nos. 1 and 3 positions. Morales and Luisa Esquivel put up more of a fight at No. 2, where the final score ended at 6-2.
Emporia State is 3-0 with each of those wins coming over NAIA opponents (including Tabor College and Ottawa University). The Hornets compete as part of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
Conference play will open up next Saturday (March 27) when the Bulldogs will host Morningside (4-3, 0-0 GPAC). First serve is set for 1 p.m. CT from the Bulldog Tennis Courts. In the latest conference ratings, Concordia checked in at No. 4, just behind the third-ranked Mustangs.
Superior singles play leads to win over Morningside
March 28, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Tennis team matched up against Morningside University on Saturday (March 27) in a GPAC conference dual. The Bulldogs notched singles wins from Sofia Morales, Claudia Miranda Viera, Luisa Esquivel and Ansley Gates to power past the Mustangs in a 4-3 home victory.
The Bulldogs had been riding a four-match losing streak entering play. Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad moved to 4-4 overall.
“We played well in singles. Taking four of the six matches is not easy against a good team like Morningside,” DeSimone said. “There were many competitive matches that could have gone either way. We were fortunate to play pretty well in some decisive moments. Claudia Miranda Viera had an excellent singles match today, and Sofia Morales clinched the win for the women.”
In doubles the Bulldog duo of Morales and Esquivel came away with the lone victory of the three matchups beating their opponents, 6-2.
The most competitive match of the day would belong to Morales in the first singles match of the day. She defeated her opponent by scores of 6-4, 4-6, and 7-6 in the tie breaker. While the Mustangs controlled the doubles point, Concordia bounced back strong in singles. Following Morales in the lineup was Miranda Viera who came away with a win of her own in straight sets over her Mustang opponent. The Bulldogs dropped the next two matchups before rebounding strong with wins by Esquivel and Gates.
The 4-3 Mustangs came into the day sitting at third in the GPAC rankings; after a Concordia win today, the Mustangs drop to 4-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
This upcoming Tuesday the Bulldogs will host another GPAC opponent in the Hastings Broncos. The Broncos will enter Tuesday with a 1-5 overall record and a 1-0 record in the GPAC. The match is set to start at 4 p.m. at the Bulldog Tennis Courts.
Hastings to visit on Tuesday
March 29, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – It will be a quick return to conference action for Concordia University Women’s Tennis, which is fresh off a 4-3 weekend victory over Morningside. The Bulldogs are readying to host Hastings at 4 p.m. CT from the Bulldog Tennis Courts on Tuesday. Both teams will carry 1-0 conference records into first serve.
Concordia (4-4, 1-0) vs. Hastings (1-5, 1-0)
Tuesday, March 30 | 4 p.m.
Bulldog Tennis Courts | Seward, Neb.
--Updates: follow @CuneTennis on Twitter
--There are no restrictions on fan attendance
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad put a stop to what had been a four-match skid with the pulse-pounding win over the Mustangs. It ultimately came down to No. 1 singles, where Concordia freshman Sofia Morales edged Emily Clotfelter in three sets. Bulldog singles victories also came via Claudia Miranda Viera (No. 2), Luisa Esquivel (No. 5) and Ansley Gates (No. 6). The four singles wins allowed Concordia to overcome a 1-0 disadvantage after doubles (dropped the Nos. 1 and 3 doubles matches).
The Bulldogs also own wins this season over William Jewell College (Mo.), Sterling College (Kan.) and Bethany College (Kan.). Esquivel is the team leader with five singles victories. Three of her teammates own three singles wins: Katy Krejci, Miranda Viera and Morales.
Hastings defeated Concordia in the 2019 GPAC tournament title match. The Broncos got on the board with their first win of the 2021 season when they defeated Northwestern, 6-1, on March 26. Hastings is coached by Mark Gueswell.
Following Tuesday’s match, the Bulldogs will look forward to playing at Baker University (Kan.) at 1 p.m. on April 8.
Bulldogs dominate singles play, move to 2-0 in GPAC
March 30, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Tennis team didn’t fret after relinquishing the doubles point. The Bulldogs proceeded to sweep their way through singles while rolling past Hastings in GPAC action on windy Tuesday (March 30) at the Bulldog Tennis Courts. A win by Tara Ferrel at No. 3 singles clinched the team victory.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad has notched back-to-back wins to begin conference play. Concordia (5-4 overall) also defeated Morningside by a 4-3 score this past weekend.
“After a slow start in doubles, we picked it up and started dictating play more in singles,” DeSimone said. “Claudia (Miranda Viera) and Sofia (Morales) were the first two matches off for singles and after those wins, the others could relax and play freely. I could sense a shift after we won the first set at 1 through 5 singles, and we were able to capitalize on that. It’s great to start 2-0 in the conference, but we know there is a lot of work to be done.”
Hastings (1-6, 1-1 GPAC) appeared to be a worthy challenger when it began the match with triumphs at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles. The Bulldogs avoided being swept in doubles thanks to a 6-4 win at the top by the combination of Morales and Miranda Viera.
As mentioned by DeSimone, Morales and Miranda Viera then set the tone for the rest of the evening with their singles victories at the top two spots. Morales won in impressive fashion, 6-1, 6-2, at No. 1. Additional wins were then captured by Ferrel at No. 3, Katy Krejci at No. 4, Luisa Esquivel at No. 5 and Ansley Gates at No. 6. The most competitive clash came at No. 4 with Krejci holding off Emma Markle in a tiebreaker.
In both conference matches, Concordia has shook off a deficit after doubles. The Bulldogs also got the better of Morningside in singles by taking four of the six decisions. The Broncos opened conference play last week with a 6-1 win over Northwestern.
The Bulldogs will have the remainder off the week off from competition. They will return to action next Thursday (April 8) with a match at Baker University (Kan.). First serve from Baldwin City, Kan., is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
Morales earns GPAC Player of the Week honors
April 7, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – A key figure in last week’s win over Hastings, freshman Sofia Morales has been voted the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Tennis Player of the Week, as announced on Wednesday (April 7). Morales is the first Bulldog women’s player to earn the award in 2021. She and Concordia men’s player Joe Bindl made for a GPAC tennis sweep of conference honors this week.
In the 6-1 team victory over the Broncos on March 30, Morales won matches at both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles. Up against Theresa Price in singles, Morales won by a final of 6-1, 6-2. The native of Bogota, Colombia, also paired with teammate Claudia Miranda Viera on a 6-4 triumph in doubles. Morales owns season records of 4-4 in both singles and doubles.
The Bulldogs (5-4, 2-0 GPAC) will return to action on Thursday with a 1 p.m. CT match at Baker University (Kan.).
Bulldogs to play twice in three days to close week
April 8, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – Idle since March 31, the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team looks forward to returning to action with two matches in a stretch of three days. The Bulldogs will be in Lawrence, Kan., today (April 8) for a matchup with Baker University. Concordia will then get back to GPAC play when it hosts Mount Marty on Saturday. Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad is coming off back-to-back conference wins.
This Week
Concordia (5-4, 2-0) at Baker (5-7)
Thursday, April 8 | 1 p.m.
Genesis Health Club | Lawrence, Kan.
Concordia (5-4, 2-0) vs. Mount Marty (2-3, 0-1)
Saturday, April 10 | 11 a.m.
Bulldog Tennis Courts | Seward, Neb.
In their most recent outing, the Bulldogs defeated Hastings, 6-1, while sweeping through singles play. Courtesy of her performance in wins at No. 1 singles and doubles, freshman Sofia Morales garnered GPAC Player of the Week honors. Morales was dominant at the top of the lineup in her 6-1, 6-2, triumph. The rest of the lineup (all singles winners) included Claudia Miranda Viera at No. 2, Tara Ferrel at No. 3, Katy Krejci at No. 4, Luisa Esquivel at No. 5 and Ansley Gates at No. 6. Morales teamed up with Miranda Viera on a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles.
On the season, DeSimone’s squad has collected victories over William Jewell College (Mo.), Sterling College (Kan.), Bethany College (Kan.), Morningside and Hastings. Concordia sits alone atop the GPAC with a 2-0 mark while Doane is 1-0. In the official GPAC ratings, the Bulldogs rank No. 3 behind Doane and College of Saint Mary. Individually, Esquivel (6-3) tops Concordia in singles wins. Morales is one of three Bulldogs with four singles victories (joining Krejci and Miranda Viera).
Baker comes into play with a 5-7 overall record. The Wildcats could provide a push considering they own wins over both Midland and Hastings. Mount Marty sports a 2-3 mark that includes two wins over Northwestern (both designated as nonconference matches). The Lancers dropped a 6-1 decision at Midland on March 27 in their most recent outing.
Following this week’s action, four regular season matches (all against GPAC opponents) will remain on the schedule. Concordia will travel to College of Saint Mary on April 12 (match played at Koch Tennis Center) and then to Northwestern on April 17 before closing the regular season against Doane (April 21) and Midland (April 27).
Gates, Esquivel claim wins in team loss at Baker
April 8, 2021
LAWRENCE, Kan. – In a final venture outside of conference play this regular season, Concordia University Women’s Tennis went up against Baker University in a match played at Geneses Health Club in Lawrence, Kan., on Thursday (April 8). The Bulldogs earned a singles win apiece courtesy of Ansley Gates and Luisa Esquivel, but fell by a final team score of 5-2. Singles matches followed an eight-game set format.
In its most recent action, Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad had claimed back-to-back GPAC wins over Morningside and Hastings. With Thursday’s defeat, Concordia slipped to 5-5 overall.
Said DeSimone, “Ansley and Luisa had good wins at 5 and 6, respectively. Both played very smart, composed tennis and I was happy to see them make the most of their opportunities against good opponents.”
The Wildcats (5-7) gained the advantage in doubles by sweeping all three matches. Then in singles, Gates topped Chassidy Weathers, 8-2, at No. 5 and Esquivel defeated Taylor Jarvis, 8-5. The top four spots in the Bulldog lineup featured Sofia Morales at No. 1, Claudia Miranda Viera at No. 2, Tara Ferrel at No. 3 and Katy Krejci at No. 4. The most competitive of those matches came at No. 1, where Kayelee Smith edged Morales, 8-5.
Conference play will resume on Saturday when Concordia hosts Mount Marty (2-3, 0-1 GPAC) with first serve set for 11 a.m. CT from the Bulldog Tennis Courts. The Lancers opened up GPAC action with a 6-1 loss at Midland on March 27.
Concordia breezes past Mount Marty, stays undefeated in GPAC
April 10, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – In shaking off Thursday’s loss at Baker University (Kan.), the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team had no problem on Saturday (April 10). The Bulldogs swept all singles and doubles matches in a snappy, 7-0, victory over visiting Mount Marty. In contested competition, both Sofia Morales and Claudia Miranda Viera claimed singles/doubles wins.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad has also beaten Morningside and Hastings within conference play. Concordia stands at 6-5 overall (3-0 GPAC).
“I enjoyed the way our teams bounced back after a tough loss at Baker,” DeSimone said. “We came out ready to compete and made the most of it today. Claudia and Sofia played really well against some solid players in singles and doubles. Everyone had a few things that they were working on today and we did a good job executing on the court.”
In doubles, the Lancers relinquished the team point by not filling out the Nos. 2 and 3 spots. At the No. 1 position, Morales and Miranda Viera captured a 6-3 victory over Haley Gonsor and Lacee Fedeler. Mount Marty was unable to finish at No. 2 due to an injury.
Then in singles, Morales (No. 1), Miranda Viera (No. 2) and Tara Ferrel (No. 3) were all victorious in contested matches. In terms of the scores, Morales was the most dominant in what resulted in a 6-2, 6-2, win. Miranda Viera won, 6-4, 6-1, while Ferrel found herself in a battle that went 6-3, 6-4.
The Lancers fell to 2-4 (0-2 GPAC). In its GPAC opener, Mount Marty lost at Midland, 6-1, on March 27.
The Bulldogs will quickly turn around and play College of Saint Mary (4-2, 0-1 GPAC) on Monday. That match has been moved to Koch Family Tennis Center in Omaha. First serve will be at 4 p.m. CT.
Gates clinches winner, Dawgs continue GPAC streak
April 12, 2021
OMAHA, Neb. – Two of the top teams in the GPAC played a hotly contested match that came down to a third set at No. 5 singles. Bulldog Ansley Gates outlasted her opponent and clinched the victory with a highlight worthy finishing point. When the dust settled, the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team squeaked by College of Saint Mary, 4-3, in a contest played at Koch Family Tennis Center in Omaha, Neb., on Monday (April 12).
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad remains unbeaten in the GPAC at 4-0 (7-5 overall). The Bulldogs also dominated Mount Marty, 7-0, this past Saturday.
“Our women played well today overall,” DeSimone said. “Starting off with the doubles point was huge for us. We played impressive and smart doubles, especially at 1 and 3. Claudia (Miranda Viera) started us off with a win at 2 and then Luisa (Esquivel) won at 6. The highlight of the day came when the team score was 3-3 and Ansley Gates won the second set to force a third. She played a smart third set and hit an awesome backhand down the line on match point. It was a good win for us to remain undefeated in the GPAC and show some toughness and grit.”
A Lincoln Southwest graduate, Gates dropped the first set, 6-0, while up against Jaclyn Negrete. Gates rebounded to win, 0-6, 6-4, 6-3, in dramatic fashion. This may have been Concordia’s most significant win of the season considering the Flames (5-3, 1-2 GPAC) entered April ranked as the second best team in the GPAC. Their only other conference defeat was handed to them by conference favorite Doane.
The Bulldogs gained the advantage in doubles thanks to the efforts of Miranda Viera and Sofia Morales at No. 1 and Esquivel and Kaitlin Seja at No. 3. Miranda Viera and Morales paired up on a 6-0 victory while Esquivel and Seja combined for a 6-3 win.
The two sides split the six singles matches. Concordia kept hopes of a team win alive with Miranda Viera (6-4, 6-1) and Esquivel (6-4, 6-2) winning at the Nos. 2 and 6 positions, respectively. The Flames triumphed at the Nos. 1, 3 and 4 spots in the lineup. That put all eyes on Gates and Negrete.
Three matches remain on the GPAC regular season slate. The Bulldogs will journey to Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday and take on Northwestern (1-10, 0-3 GPAC) in women’s and men’s doubleheader. When two programs last met on the women’s side (2019), Concordia rolled to a 9-0 win.
GPAC win streak reaches five with blanking of Northwestern
April 17, 2021
ORANGE CITY, Iowa – A thoroughly dominant performance in Orange City, Iowa, on Saturday (April 17) has kept the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team unbeaten in conference play. The Bulldogs swept all matches in a 7-0 head-to-head decision at Northwestern. While Concordia won most of the matchups handily, No. 4 singles came down to a third set.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad also defeated College of Saint Mary earlier in the week and has moved to 5-0 in the GPAC (8-5 overall).
“It was a good meet for the women’s team,” DeSimone said. “We came out with a lot of positive energy and played smart doubles. Claudia (Miranda Viera) got a quick win and the rest of the team followed her lead.”
In the drama that came about at No. 4 singles, Bulldog Katy Krejci shook off a defeat in the second set and triumphed, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. In another fairly competitive match, Sofia Morales took care of Wynne Vandersall at No. 1, 6-4, 6-3. In more decisive matches, Concordia singles winners included Miranda Viera at No. 2, Tara Ferrel at No. 3, Ansley Gates at No. 5 and Kaitlin Seja at No. 6.
In the doubles play that opened the day, all three Bulldog pairings earned victories. The combos featured Miranda Viera and Morales at No. 1, Ferrel and Gates at No. 2 and Luisa Esquivel and Seja at No. 3. The closest contest of those three clashes occurred at No. 2, where Concordia won by a 6-3 score.
The Bulldogs have cleaned up in the GPAC by going 25-5 in singles and 10-5 in doubles so far in conference action. Four Concordia players have earned four or more GPAC singles wins: Miranda Viera (5-0), Esquivel (4-0), Gates (4-0) and Morales (4-1).
It will be senior day on Tuesday (April 20) when the Bulldogs host Doane (10-4, 3-0 GPAC) at 4:30 p.m. CT. The seniors that will be recognized are Gates, Miranda Viera and Seja. The Tigers are currently rated as the top team in the official GPAC rankings.
GPAC leading Dawgs ready to host Doane for senior day
April 19, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – After last week’s results, Concordia University Women’s Tennis stands alone atop the GPAC standings with a perfect 5-0 conference mark. The Bulldogs are fresh off a dominant 7-0 win at Northwestern over the weekend. Now they look forward to hosting Doane, another GPAC title contender, for senior day on Tuesday. First serve is set for 4:30 p.m. CT from the Bulldog Tennis Courts.
Match Info
Concordia (8-5, 5-0) vs. Doane (10-5, 3-1)
Tuesday, April 20 | 4:30 p.m.
Seward, Neb. | Bulldog Tennis Courts
By the numbers
· Since David DeSimone became head coach in 2019, Concordia Women’s Tennis has gone 10-2 in GPAC matches. The ’19 squad (school record 15 wins) fell just short of winning the GPAC tournament title, losing by a 5-4 score to Hastings in the championship match. That heartbreaker left the program still in search of its first conference title ever. The current team needs to win at least one of the final two regular season matches in order to clinch at least a share of the GPAC regular season title.
· The Bulldogs have been ranked third in the official GPAC ratings all season. That will change considering Concordia is 5-0 in the conference and has beaten the team that was rated second, College of Saint Mary. In conference play, the Bulldogs have defeated Morningside, 4-3, Hastings, 6-1, Mount Marty, 7-0, College of Saint Mary, 4-3, and Northwestern, 7-0. Three GPAC teams currently have one conference loss: Morningside (4-1), Doane (3-1) and Midland (3-1).
· Through five GPAC matches, Concordia has gone a combined 25-5 in singles matches and 10-5 in doubles. As the results show, the Bulldogs are much deeper throughout their lineup than most GPAC opponents. Concordia has gone 10-3 at the No. 5 and 6 singles spots this season. Four individuals own at least four GPAC singles wins: Claudia Miranda Viera (5-0), Luisa Esquivel (4-0), Ansley Gates (4-0) and Sofia Morales (4-1). Morales was named the GPAC Player of the Week on April 7.
· The seniors who will be honored on Tuesday are Ansley Gates (Lincoln, Neb.), Claudia Miranda Viera (Madrid, Spain) and Katie Seja (Loveland, Colo.). Each of them contributed to the 2019 team that broke the school record for most wins in a season and advanced to the GPAC championship match. Over the past four seasons, the Bulldogs have gone a combined 42-24 overall.
· Doane has been viewed as the favorite in the conference, but dropped a 5-2 decision to Morningside on Sunday. In conference play, the Tigers have defeated Northwestern, 7-0, College of Saint Mary, 6-1, and Hastings, 7-0. Now Doane finds itself in a situation where it likely must win in Seward if it wants to at least share a GPAC regular season title. The Tigers have improved dramatically from 2019 when they went just 2-5 in conference play.
Looking ahead
Concordia will finish the regular season at Midland on Feb. 27 when they hope to have an opportunity to win the GPAC outright. The GPAC tournament will be held April 30 – May 1 at Fremont High School.
Unbeaten conference run ended by Doane
April 20, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – Tuesday’s rivalry clash between Concordia University Women’s Tennis and Doane carried major GPAC championship implications. The visiting Tigers ended the Bulldogs’ bid for a perfect GPAC regular season by claiming a 6-1 win in Seward on Tuesday (April 20). Concordia never recovered after dropping the doubles point on a chilly, but relatively wind free evening.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad missed out on a chance to clinch at least a share of the GPAC regular season title. At 5-1 in conference play (8-6 overall), the Bulldogs still sit atop the league standings with Doane (4-1), Morningside (4-1) and Midland (3-1) still in the running.
“Doane’s a good team – there are a lot of good things that we can take away,” DeSimone said. “It just comes down to execution. We did a lot of the little things well in setting up points and setting up games, but executing when it really matters most is what we need to do.”
Prior to the start of the match, Concordia honored a trio of seniors in Ansley Gates (Lincoln, Neb.), Claudia Miranda Viera (Madrid, Spain) and Katie Seja (Loveland, Colo.). All three were members of the 2019 squad that owns the program record for wins in a season and advanced to the GPAC tournament championship match. Each of the seniors were also part of Tuesday’s lineup. Seja prevented the Bulldogs from being shut out by earning a 6-3, 6-3, victory at No. 6 singles.
An entertaining battle took place at No. 1 singles, where Concordia’s Sofia Morales battled Amber Weston. Weston managed to outlast Morales, 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8) in a super tiebreaker. Morales had gained an 8-6 lead in the tiebreaker before Weston rattled off four-straight points to finish the decision. Morales had hoped to put together a perfect night after she had combined with Miranda Viera on a 6-0 victory at No. 1 doubles.
The remainder of the singles lineup included Miranda Viera at No. 2, Tara Ferrel at No. 3, Katy Krejci at No. 4 and Gates at No. 5. After surrendering the doubles point, the Bulldogs were faced with the tall task of needing to triumph in four singles matches in order to take the team win. Despite coming up short of that aim, DeSimone is proud of his team for putting itself in position to play meaningful matches down the stretch of the season.
Said DeSimone, “It’s been a great start to our conference slate. We knew at the beginning of the season that Doane was going to be a top team along with us and Morningside and College of Saint Mary. There are a lot of good teams at the top of our conference. To come into this match at 5-0 is right where we want to be. Losing today was tough, but we’re still in a good spot.”
Concordia will finish the regular season next Tuesday (April 27) when it plays at Midland (5-6, 3-1 GPAC). First serve is set for 4 p.m. CT in Fremont, Neb. A Bulldog win would lock up at least a share of the GPAC regular season title.
Miranda Viera chosen as GPAC Player of the Week
April 21, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – After helping lead Concordia University Women’s Tennis to a 5-0 GPAC mark, senior Claudia Miranda Viera has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women’s Tennis Player of the Week, as announced on Wednesday (April 21). This is the second career weekly honor for Miranda Viera. Teammate Sophia Morales garnered the same accolade on April 7.
During the time period considered for this award, Miranda Viera went 2-0 at both No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. Miranda Viera and Morales have been for a dominant combination at No. 1 doubles, where they took decisions by scores of 6-0 over College of Saint Mary and 6-1 over Northwestern. In her individual matches, Miranda Viera defeated her counterparts from CSM, 6-4, 6-1, and Northwestern, 6-1, 6-1.
In GPAC matches only, Miranda Viera is 5-1 in singles play. She and Morales are 5-0 in the conference when playing together at No. 1 doubles. A native of Torrejón de Ardoz in Madrid, Spain, Miranda Viera has claimed 27 singles victories in her career as a Bulldog. Concordia (8-6, 5-1 GPAC) will be back in action next Tuesday at Midland.
Bulldogs earn share of first conference title in program history
April 28, 2021
FREMONT, Neb. – It was a historic day on Tuesday (April 27) for Concordia University Women’s Tennis. With her victory at No. 1 singles, Sofia Morales clinched the team victory for the Bulldogs – and a share of the GPAC regular season title. Concordia defeated Midland, 4-3, in Fremont, Neb., and claimed the first conference title in program history. The Bulldogs won four of six singles decisions.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad shares the conference regular season title with Doane and Morningside. All three teams went 6-1 in GPAC play. Concordia will enter the postseason at 9-6 overall.
“We started off slow in doubles and dropped the point,” DeSimone said. “We picked up the energy in singles and won the first four singles matches off the court. Sofia, Claudia (Miranda Viera), Ansley (Gates) and Luisa (Esquivel) played some great matches today.”
DeSimone was named the 2019 GPAC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year while leading Concordia to a school record 15 overall wins. However, that particular squad placed third in the GPAC regular season. The 2021 Bulldogs have had some close calls (such as 4-3 wins over Morningside and College of Saint Mary), but they routinely find ways to win. They were forced to come from behind on Tuesday after falling at the Nos. 2 and 3 doubles positions.
With a championship on the line, Morales (No. 1), Miranda Viera (No. 2), Gates (No. 5) and Esquivel (No. 6) came through in the clutch. In continuing a theme throughout this season, Concordia dominated at the back of the lineup while showcasing its depth. Gates won in a 6-2, 6-1, decision and Esquivel topped Sophie Mollring, 6-2, 6-0. As part of her fine freshman season, Morales won at the top of the lineup and moved to 5-2 this season in GPAC singles matches.
The Bulldogs did manage to take the No. 1 doubles clash thanks to the efforts of Morales and Miranda Viera, who won, 6-1. Midland defeated Concordia by scores of 6-4 at No. 2 and 6-3 at No. 3 doubles.
With the tiebreakers factored in, the Bulldogs have garnered the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament. Concordia will play sixth-seeded Hastings at 11:30 a.m. CT on Friday in the GPAC quarterfinals. The winner will play again on Friday versus second-seeded Morningside.
2021 GPAC women's tennis tournament preview
April 28, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia University Women’s Tennis team enters the postseason fresh off earning a share of the GPAC regular season title. After tiebreakers were formulated, the Bulldogs wound up as the No. 3 seed in the upcoming conference tournament. Concordia is getting set to take on sixth-seeded Hastings in the quarterfinals on Friday. All GPAC postseason matches will be played at Fremont High School in Fremont, Neb.
GPAC Tournament
GPAC Quarterfinals
Concordia (9-6, 6-1) vs. Hastings (3-9, 3-4)
Friday, April 30 | 11:30 a.m. CT
Fremont High School | Fremont, Neb.
GPAC Semifinals
Friday, April 30 | both matches at 4:30 p.m. CT
Fremont High School | Fremont, Neb.
GPAC Championship
Saturday, May 1 | 10 a.m. CT
Fremont High School | Fremont, Neb.
By the numbers
· Never before had the Concordia Women’s Tennis program won a conference championship. The drought ended on Tuesday when the Bulldogs defeated Midland, 4-3, in Fremont. Concordia went 6-1 in the GPAC and tied Doane and Morningside atop the league standings. In the match at Midland, the Bulldogs overcame a deficit after doubles by winning four of six singles matches. With a championship on the line, Sofia Morales (No. 1), Claudia Miranda Viera (No. 2), Ansley Gates (No. 5) and Luisa Esquivel (No. 6) came through in the clutch. Morales clinched the team victory at the top of the lineup.
· The Bulldogs have been a force in the GPAC in Head Coach David DeSimone’s tenure that began with the 2019 season. That 2019 campaign saw Concordia break a single-season school record with 15 overall wins and advance to the GPAC tournament title match (lost 4-3 to Hastings). Marlene Maier won 17 singles matches for the ’19 team. DeSimone was named the GPAC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. The six GPAC wins this season are the most for the program since 2011 (6-2).
· Concordia has dominated singles play against conference opponents. The Bulldogs are a combined 30-12 in GPAC singles matches. Four individuals recorded five or more GPAC singles wins: Miranda Viera (6-1), Esquivel (5-0), Gates (5-1) and Morales (5-2). As just a freshman, Morales has taken on the No. 1 role in the lineup. She’s 7-7 overall. Esquivel tops the team with 10 singles wins for the season.
· Depth has been a theme this season with Concordia typically able to have its way at the back of the lineup. By singles lineup position, the Bulldogs own records of 7-8 at No. 1, 8-7 at No. 2, 4-11 at No. 3, 6-9 at No. 4, 11-4 at No. 5 and 12-3 at No. 6. Concordia is aiming to improve in doubles heading into the GPAC tournament. The Bulldogs went 12-9 in GPAC doubles matches during the regular season. The duo of Miranda Viera and Morales has been stellar having gone 6-2 when teaming up together.
The GPAC will receive one bid to the NAIA Women’s Tennis National Championships. That bid will go to the team that wins the conference tournament. The national championships will take place May 18-22 in Mobile, Ala.
GPAC championship season concludes in postseason semifinals
May 1, 2021
FREMONT, Neb. – A memorable 2021 season was halted on Friday (April 30) in the GPAC semifinals. Tri-champions of the GPAC regular season, the Concordia University Women’s Tennis team was on the short end of a 4-0 decision while up against Morningside in the postseason in Fremont, Neb., on Friday (April 30). Earlier in the day, the third-seeded Bulldogs got past Hastings, 4-0, in the quarterfinal round.
Head Coach David DeSimone led the women’s team to a 6-1 conference regular season mark and a share of the GPAC title – the first in the history of the program. The result on Friday afternoon won’t change that fact.
“Morningside came out on fire and played excellent doubles,” DeSimone said. “We competed and battled well to hang in at 2 and 3, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. It was unfortunately the same for singles too. Many close points, matches and games, but we were just lacking that extra little bit to take the advantage.”
The Mustangs (12-5) exacted their revenge for a 4-3 defeat in Seward back on March 27. Red hot Morningside ran its win streak to eight with its victories coming at Nos. 3, 4 and 5 singles and at the 2 and 3 doubles positions. A successful combo at No. 1 doubles, Concordia’s Sofia Morales and Claudia Miranda Viera held a 5-4 lead when the doubles point was clinched for the Mustangs, who will take on top-seeded Doane in Saturday’s championship match.
In the quarterfinal that began in the morning on Friday, the Bulldogs took care of business with victories at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles thanks to the work of Tara Ferrel and Ansley Gates and Luisa Esquivel and Kaitlin Seja. Concordia proceeded to win at the top three spots in the singles lineup – Morales at No. 1 (6-3, 6-2), Miranda Viera at No. 2 (6-3, 7-6) and Ferrel at No. 3 (6-1, 6-2).
Said DeSimone, “We played solid throughout doubles and singles and didn’t beat ourselves. We gave ourselves chances and at that point, it came down to execution. That was right where we wanted to be and we were excited with the end result as a team.”
The last time the GPAC tournament was held (2019), Concordia advanced to the GPAC tournament final and was narrowly beaten by Hastings. Excluding 2020 (which was not completed due to COVID-19), the Bulldogs have set new standards in back-to-back full campaigns. The 15 wins in 2019 were an overall school single season record. The program had also never won a conference title, although it placed second in the regular season in 2007 and 2009. The dream of advancing to the national tournament for the first time ever will have to be put off until at least 2022.
Six Bulldogs represent GPAC co-champs on all-conference team
May 10, 2021
SEWARD, Neb. – A half-dozen Bulldogs from the GPAC regular season co-champion Concordia University Women’s Tennis team landed on the list of 2021 all-conference honorees. The headliners for the Bulldogs include Claudia Miranda Viera and Sofia Morales, who both garnered All-GPAC awards for singles and doubles. The selections were announced on Monday (May 10) by the GPAC.
Head Coach David DeSimone’s squad shared the GPAC title with a 6-1 league record and reached the GPAC tournament semifinals. The following Bulldogs were recognized with All-GPAC accolades:
Luisa Esquivel, Morelia, Mexico
--2021 Honorable Mention All-GPAC singles
--2021 GPAC records: 5-0 singles | 4-2 doubles
Tara Ferrel, Lincoln, Neb.
--2021 Honorable Mention All-GPAC singles
--2021 GPAC records: 3-4 singles | 2-5 doubles
Ansley Gates, Lincoln, Neb.
--2021 Honorable Mention All-GPAC singles
--2021 GPAC records: 5-1 singles | 1-5 doubles
Katelyn Krejci, Lincoln, Neb.
--2021 Honorable Mention All-GPAC singles
--2021 GPAC records: 2-4 singles | 0-2 doubles
Claudia Miranda Viera, Madrid Spain
--2021 All-GPAC: No. 2 singles / No. 1 doubles
--2021 GPAC records: 6-1 singles | 6-1 doubles
Sofia Morales, Bogotá, Colombia
--2021 All-GPAC: No. 1 singles / No. 1 doubles
--2021 GPAC records: 5-2 singles / 7-0 doubles
Championship season established program as major player within GPAC
June 15, 2021
After having the entire conference season wiped out in 2020, the Concordia University Tennis programs focused their energy on being prepared once this past fall rolled around. By the end of the spring of 2021, both the men’s and women’s teams had accomplished feats never before achieved in their programs’ histories. The Bulldogs have flirted with national tournament appearances while becoming major players within the GPAC.
Over three seasons as head coach (one shortened due to COVID-19), David DeSimone has won a combined 57 matches between the men’s and women’s teams. He’s shown an ability to develop players as they progress through the program.
“We had a great year,” DeSimone said back in early May. “There were definitely ups and downs as you could expect in a long season. I’m so proud of our teams. I’m so proud of our student-athletes for the way they competed and came together and really played their best tennis at the end of the year. We were able to grow as a team and that’s what it’s all about. The success on court is a bonus and extra for us.”
This may have been the best season ever for Concordia Tennis when factoring in the collective results of the men and women. Both teams jumped out to 5-0 GPAC records with the women sharing the GPAC regular season title and the men advancing to the GPAC tournament championship match. Never before had the women’s program won a conference title and never before had the men’s program advanced to the GPAC final. Both teams finished with exactly 10 overall wins in 2021.
The success of the two programs has had a lot to do with the development of quality players throughout the lineup. Few opponents within the GPAC have been able to match the Bulldogs one through six. Consider this: the Concordia men carried a season record of 30-12 in the Nos. 4-6 singles spots while the women went 23-8 over the Nos. 5 and 6 positions. The women won three GPAC matches by 4-3 scores. In other words, it took a team effort.
“We had great depth and great leadership,” DeSimone said. “If one person wasn’t having their day, we could count on it from someone else. That was awesome to see. The way our seniors led in their own way was really fun to be a part of. We accomplished a lot of awesome and amazing things this year. All their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. It was the work that we put in day-in, day-out in practice that allowed us to grow. Those seniors and juniors stepped up and lead and helped show the freshmen and sophomores what it means to be part of the Concordia Tennis team and what it will take to reach our goals.”
A combined 12 Bulldogs wound up earning some form of all-conference recognition. Claudia Miranda Viera (6-1 singles; 6-1 doubles vs. GPAC) and Sofia Morales (5-2 singles; 7-0 doubles vs. GPAC) led the way for the women as All-GPAC performers in singles and doubles. On the men’s side, Joseph Bindl put together an 11-2 singles record with one of his 11 victories clinching a tight home win over Doane. Luke Zoller returned to the program for a fifth year and put up seven singles wins while playing in several different spots in the lineup.
For the women, a 6-1 loss to Doane on April 20 prevented them from an outright GPAC title. However, they bounced back a week later with a 4-3 win at Midland that clinched a share of the conference championship. On April 30 at the GPAC tournament, the men got past Doane in the semifinals, 4-2, representing a momentous win for the program. The next day, the Bulldogs fell to a strong Midland squad that swept conference regular season and postseason titles.
In late April, Concordia celebrated a group of seniors that featured Zoller and Octavio Velazquez on the men’s side and Ansley Gates, Miranda Viera and Katie Seja on the women’s side. Each of them had a hand in lifting up their respective programs. The Bulldog women’s seniors were also part of a 2019 squad that broke a school record for wins in a season (15) and advanced to the GPAC tournament final, dropping a 5-4 decision to Hastings.
The bar has been raised for both programs. The hunt for GPAC titles and the first-ever appearances at the national championships in Mobile, Ala., will continue.
Said DeSimone, “We’re excited for next year. We’re still taking some time to soak up all that this season has meant and really reflect on it. We are looking forward to next year. We have a lot of returners coming back for our men and a decent number of returners for our women. It will be a fun year where we can continue to build on all the good stuff we’ve put together this year. I’ve talked a lot to those returners about setting the standard and leading, especially with a handful of first-year players coming in. We need to show them all what it’s going to take to get back to where we were this year and build on the success we’ve had.”