SEWARD, Neb. – The Bulldogs opened GPAC play in impressive fashion on the women’s side, sweeping Hastings College, 7-0, on Thursday (Mar. 26) at Walz Fieldhouse. Senior day celebrations honored four athletes who played key roles in the victory, as the experienced group helped set the tone from the start and throughout the lineup.
Concordia University, Nebraska improves to 10-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play with a strong all-around performance.
“I am very proud of these four seniors - they have set the tone for our team and continue to be dedicated to our goals every day,” Head Coach Lisa Hart said. “I am very grateful for all they have given and all they continue to do for our program and our university. They are very accomplished tennis players, but they are even better teammates and people.”
Concordia seized control early by claiming the doubles point with a trio of decisive victories. At No. 2, Chakira Derman and Alana Lopez Pagan were nearly flawless in a 6-0 shutout. Mariana Molano and Ishane Derman followed with a 6-2 win at No. 1 to clinch, while Lauren Gottberg and Alexa Richert secured the point with a 6-3 decision at No. 3. The Bulldogs’ sharp doubles play provided early momentum that carried into singles later on.
In lone action, the Bulldogs controlled nearly every court, winning five of six matches in straight sets. Molano led the charge at No. 1 with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory, while Chakira followed with a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2. Ishane added a 6-1, 6-1 decision at No. 3, and Richert earned a convincing 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 5. Nina Milic rounded out the straight-set victories with a 6-3, 6-1 triumph at No. 6.
The most competitive match of the day came at No. 4, where Lopez Pagan battled through three sets. After taking the opening set 6-1, Lopez Pagan dropped the second, 4-6, before regrouping to win the match tiebreaker, 10-6, sealing the Bulldogs’ sweep.
The seniors celebrated were Lauren Gottberg, Alana Lopez Pagan, Mariana Molano and Alexa Richert.
Concordia (10-4, 1-0 GPAC) will look to build on its strong conference-opening performance as it continues its GPAC schedule versus No. 17 Morningside (18-1, 1-0 GPAC) on Sunday (March 29). The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. CT in Sioux City, Iowa.