Only halfway into the season, Biola’s men’s tennis team is just one more win away from tying their most wins in a season since 2010. After a long week of tennis with four matches in five days, the Eagles are currently 5-6 overall with hopes of having Biola’s first winning season for tennis.

“A lot of what we are focusing on right now is doubles,” freshman Lucas Lee said. “Our coach believes, and we also believe, that if you start well in doubles, it will set the tone for the rest of the match.”

The men started out with Concordia University on Thursday. Despite the admirable efforts from Lee and juniors Tayven Townsend and Brandon Chang, the Eagles were not able to pull out one win and ended the day 9-0.

The men bounced back in both games on Friday and Saturday. Biola defeated the University of Southwest 7-2 and went on to beat Austin College 6-3.

After only one day of rest, the Eagles were back on the court to compete against Rensselaer Polytech Institute. Unfortunately, the men were not able to pull out a win and fell 7-2.

The women have not been able to produce the same results as the men. Although the Eagles were also able to defeat the University of the Southwest 7-2, the women fell to Austin College 4-5. On Tuesday the Eagles were able to bounce back from the loss and win 7-2 against Principia College.

There are a few bright spots in the tough season that the Eagles have had. Sophomores Kathryn Ashford and Susan Carmichael have been consistently winning their singles. The two are a threat not only in their singles matches, but also in when they team up for doubles.

“She is a more aggressive player, and so I think we compliment each other very well,” Carmichael said. “I’m not as expressive, so that helps to keep her calm and she helps me get excited and stay upbeat.”

The men will play Whittier College and the women will host Concordia University on March 13 with both matches starting at 2 p.m.