Men’s tennis loses to No. 6 Vanguard
The Biola Men’s Tennis team faced off against Vanguard, ranked 6th in the NAIA division, in the first conference match of the season Tuesday. Although Biola was well aware of the challenge they had ahead of them, Vanguard was too much to handle, handing the men a 9-0 loss.
The match began with doubles, and every team gave their best effort, specifically Biola seniors Ryan Adams and Daniel Westman, who took their match to the very end.
Biola athletes welcome competition
In singles matches Biola again struggled, but did make some positive strides. Junior Weston Leopold said he enjoys matching up against this level of competition and strives to earn the respect of his competitors. Sophomore David Mossman was also determined to give his best effort, and proudly finished his sets 7-6 and 6-2. Although his efforts permitted him to hang as long as possible, when fighting against the best in the division, it takes a special day that just did not happen.
Looking ahead
The task for the Biola Eagles doesn’t get any easier, as they prepare to face #3 Concordia on Saturday. They will bring this experience with them as they take the next step and hope to upset their competition.
Women’s tennis also defeated by Vanguard
The Biola women’s tennis team took on Vanguard University in their first conference match of the season Tuesday at home. Vanguard is ranked 4th overall in NAIA women’s tennis, and it was clear that they had earned this ranking, as they beat the Biola Eagles 9-0.
Although the ladies were well aware of the challenge ahead of them, they were not intimidated, and give it their best shot. After the 6 sets of singles, the entire team came out with their heads held high, knowing that they had worked hard and tried their best. The ladies prided themselves on making the other team work, and pushing them to deuces. Although they could not come up with the victories, they embraced the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the nation.
Vanguard carries 2 of the top 40 players in NAIA women’s tennis. [Gabriela Bergmanova] (http://www.collegetennisonline.com/AuburnUniversityMontgomery-W-Tennis/Player.aspx?plId=87279 “”) ranked 4th and Kateryna Malakhova ranked 37th. This pair also ranks as the 5th best doubles pair in NAIA.
The Eagles hope to use this experience and practice to better prepare them for new challenges ahead. Although Vanguard’s powerhouse tennis team appears to be the greatest challenge, they are among many other powerhouses in this conference. Biola will need to bring their A game every time.
