Biola took on Arizona Christian University on Saturday for their final home match of the season. Despite a win from the lone senior on the team, David Garcia, ACU closed the match with four straight singles wins to claim victory 4-3.
TONE SETTER
Things looked bad early in doubles for Biola as the No.1 team of sophomores Quentin Lau and Logan Blair fell 6-0. However, senior David Garcia and junior Derek James claimed a victory at No.3 6-3. The Eagles clinched the doubles point with a 6-3 win from junior Erik Martinez and freshman Edwyn Ramos.
“These guys help me shape myself and be the better Christian that I want to be,” Garcia said. “Being able to be with a whole bunch of Christian guys has really developed me as a person, and they’ve taught me how to be strong, have passion and have love.”
FIRESTORM COMEBACK
Blair made quick work of his opponent on the No. 3 court, claiming the first singles win by a score of 6-4, 6-1. In his final match at the Biola Tennis Center, Garcia went out on a high note with a 7-5, 6-3 win on the No. 6 court. Then, the Firestorms started to turn things around and mount a comeback.
Ramos dropped a tough three-setter on court one 6-4, 3-6, 2-6. Then freshman Andres Meneses fell on court five 3-6, 6-3, 3-6. James took a tough loss on the No. 2 court 7-5, 2-6, 1-6. This set up a decisive match on court four, where Lau ultimately lost 6-2, 4-6, 2-6.
“We played extremely well for most of the match,” said head coach David Goodman. “We just didn’t finish that way. That’s the biggest focus for us, to stay focused from the first point to the last point.”
Garcia prays with his opponent after every match, and he reflected on what it looks like to show your faith on the court.
“It’s very easy to forget what we’re doing here, so I made it my goal to make sure that I glorify and honor God in any way possible,” Garcia said. “It’s been a great experience being able to minister through tennis, and I never thought that you were able to, but there’s always a way.”
Biola finishes the regular season at 9-12 and will wrap up their season at the PacWest Championships in Surprise, Arizona on April 17-20.
