Sophomore Isaiah Pekary, also known as “Big Bird” among the players, serves during a singles match against Azusa Pacific on Saturday, March 10, 2012. | Ashley Jones/THE CHIMES

The Biola tennis team dropped both the men’s and women’s matches to Azusa Pacific University Saturday by scores of 6-3 and 9-0, respectively.

Men’s team loses 6-3

Coming off of a 7-2 victory over Hope International University on March 6, the men pushed forth against the NAIA No. 4-ranked APU Cougars.

The Eagles fell behind early, dropping the first two doubles games 8-1 and 8-4 before taking APU to an intense third game which the Cougars won 9-8 following a 7-1 tiebreaker win.

Cougar Janosch Apelt was forced to exit the first singles game after succumbing to an injury against Biola senior Weston Leopold, giving the Eagles a 3-1 victory and an early 1-0 lead in the match. APU then ran off the next three points with ease winning by scores of 6-1, 6-2; 6-1, 6-0; and 6-0, 6-0.

With no chance of taking the final rivalry match-up Biola still fought for the final two singles points. Sophomore Isaiah Pekary defeated Ricky Sanchez 5-7, 6-3, 10-8 and freshman Anthony Sena followed suit beating Zach McMahon 5-7, 6-3, 10-4.

Going forward, the Eagles travel to Westmont College to take on the Warriors, who rank sixth in the Golden State Athletic Conference, one above the Eagles’ seventh ranking. Biola will try and improve upon a 1-6 start in conference play so far.

Women’s team loses 9-0

On the women’s side the NAIA No. 5 Cougars made quick work of Biola, defeating them 9-0.

“This has been a tough season. For one reason or other, every player has had to … miss at least one match, with exception to one player,” head coach Dee Henry said.

So far Biola is winless on the year with opponents making a spectacle of the Eagles. They have only won eight total matches all season, but are still striving through to the finish.

“We are gaining from each experience staying positive and seeing what God is trying to teach us. We are focusing on having a praise performance every match. Where we are weak God can make us strong,” Henry said.

The Eagles look to turn their luck around when they play host to Vanguard University on Tuesday, March 20.