SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia gave Midland all they could handle before falling 3-4 in Seward, Neb. on Wednesday night (Apr. 17). The doubles point would later prove to be the difference as singles split in a 3-3 deadlock. Mariana Molano won in singles and doubles pushing her solo play to 4-0 in her last four bouts.
The Bulldogs have totaled a 9-7 overall record and a 4-2 GPAC record. Head Coach Lisa Hart commented on the close loss and improving as a team.
“So proud of our team. We have improved so much since we played this team in February. It's always heartbreaking to lose 4-3 but we will be better because of this battle today. We are anxious to finish our conference schedule strong at Hastings and looking forward to the GPAC tourney next week.”
Tied 2-2, No. 5 Alexa Richert played the long game with Grace Felder and was able to best the veteran in a 6-3, 6-4 screamer. No. 3 Grazi Dallagnol and Jeena Carle led the comeback to take the eventual 4-3 final.
The top seeds from Concordia continue to own the Warriors as No. 1 Chakira Derman and No. 2 Molano won in straight sets. Derman defeated newcomer Kissmel Cedano (6-2, 6-3) and Molano turned up the heat on the experienced Ari Lumanog (6-3, 6-0). The sophomore out of Bogotá, Colombia, has seized victory from six of her last eight opponents and remains undefeated (5-0) at No. 2.
Molano and Alana Lopez-Pagan took Lainie Fanton and Lumanog, 6-4, but the other two duos fell to the Warriors, which would eventually be the deciding point. Felder and Kissmel were able to best Tessa Blough and Derman at No. 2s and Macee Thompson and Carle defeated Lauren Gottberg and Richert at No. 3s.
The others in the starting lineup were No. 3 Lopez-Pagan, No. 4 Blough and an improved No. 6 Brooke Hosick.
Midland was led by Jeena Carle who clinched the visitors' win and went undefeated in both matches. The Warriors will take on Doane on this upcoming Saturday.
Concordia (9-7, 4-2 GPAC) will travel to face Hastings (9-11, 2-3 GPAC) this Saturday at the Dorothy R. Becker Tennis Facility. First toss is set for 11 a.m. CT. The Bulldogs have a chance to lock up the third seed for the upcoming GPAC Championships.