Lady Lancers Sink Rival Pilots
WINONA LAKE – Grace’s women’s tennis team won its second match in a row with a convincing 8-1 victory over Bethel on Saturday at Miller Field.
The Lady Lancers (4-5, 2-5 Crossroads League) claimed all three doubles’ points, including a battle at the top position. Natalia Kurkova and Kristin Cassidy trailed 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, but the duo came back to win 9-8 (7-5).
Gabrielle Lawrence and Mariah Zumbrun at No. 2 doubles and Sarah Hinkel and Katie Etter at No. 3 doubles each won by an 8-1 score.
Kurkova at No. 1 singles (6-0, 6-1) and Cassidy at No. 2 (6-1, 6-1) made short work of their opponents to kick off singles’ play. Lawrence blanked the Pilots at No. 6 singles 6-0, 6-0.
Hinkel claimed a 6-4, 6-0 victory at No. 4 singles, and Zumbrun battled to a three-set win at No. 5.
Jayna Huber nearly pulled off a come-from-behind victory at No. 3 singles, ultimately slipping by the slimmest of margins 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 11-13.
“We put together another nice team win today,” said Grace head coach Scott Moore. “I was extremely happy with my one doubles team. They were down 3-6 early, so I challenged them a little bit and they responded. Although she did not win, I though Jayna showed some real toughness today at three singles. She is going to be vital for us to take the next step.”
The Lady Lancers conclude the Crossroads League regular season on Tuesday with a trip to Goshen. Grace is currently in seventh place in the league standings, one game out of a tie for fifth place.