The men’s and women’s tennis teams both suffered tough losses at home against Lewis-Clark State College after returning from a weeklong break on Saturday, April 6.

The women’s team fell to No. 10 Lewis-Clark 9-0. The loss puts their record at 3-16 overall. Despite the loss, the team is taking it as a good learning experience.

“Lewis-Clark was a really good team to play,” junior Paige Erickson said. “In doubles they hit high consistently and when we would return it they would hit it short. It pushed us as a team to keep our focus.”

Erickson fought hard against her opponent Netti Dayhuff and almost brought her to a tiebreaker in the second set. Despite her best efforts Erickson ultimately lost to Dayhuff in two sets 6-3 and 7-5.

“I think it motivates you a little bit if you play a good team,” said head coach Dee Henry. “They gained some good insight from playing them and I think that they are more prepared to play in regionals.”

The men’s side was able to bring home a win in doubles, but lost 8-1 overall to No. 12 Lewis-Clark.

Senior David Mossman and junior Isaiah Pekary defeated Anders Tischer and Jeff Lowndes 8-5.

“We have the same mentality for every match,” Pekary said. “We really focus on trying to close the net and being aggressive.” 

Mossman almost defeated Tischer in the first set when they were matched up in the singles but fell 7-6. Tischer clenched his win in the second set 6-3.

The men also played a non-conference match against Azusa Pacific University on Monday. Although they lost 9-0, the match helped them feel more prepared for going up against Concordia University Irvine in the first round of the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament.

“We went into the match in preparation for Concordia, because Azusa has a very similar way of playing,” head coach David Goodman said. “I don’t think it’s out of the question to beat Concordia in an upset win in the first round. It would be a great stepping stone for us.”

The losses put the men’s record at 2-16 overall.

The men’s and women’s teams compete in regionals for the GSAC Tournament on Friday in Palm Springs.