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.