The UTM women’s tennis team produced an impressive showing in the spring opener, but could not overcome Lipscomb, falling 4-3.
The Skyhawks (0-1) won the doubles points, but could muster just two victories in singles matches, falling 4-3 at the Whitworth indoor tennis facility Friday evening.
“Although we are very disappointed in the loss of the match, the girls realize that with one or two points going our way this match would have been a runaway for us,” said UTM coach Dennis Taylor. “Our goal will be to teach our freshmen how to play the important points better.”
Winning singles matches for the Skyhawks were Ivon Simic (No. 1) and Jessica Silva (No. 6). Simic knocked off Deahna Welcher with a 6-3, 3-6 (10-6) victory while Silva defeated Sierra Troxel 7-6 (8-6), 6-0 for the Skyhawks.
UTM won a pair of doubles matches to clinch the doubles points. The duo of Simic and Hitomi Naito made quick work of Melissa Kromer and Laura Kent with a score of 6-2. Burcu Tari and Tamar Klimek won the other match for the Skyhawks, winning the tie-breaker to defeat Troxel and Lorena Djuknic 7-6 (7-4).
“The players are disappointed but this is our first match on a real tennis court since last November,” said Taylor. “I am certain that when the weather get better and we can get outside to practice, they will play much better.”
The Skyhawks will return to action on Sunday, Feb. 16 when they travel to Aurora, Ky. to take on Central Arkansas with action set to get underway at 10 a.m.
Lipscomb 4, UTM 3
Doubles:
Borck & Welcher (LU) def. Katie McCall & Sarah Candeloro (UTM) 6-3
Ivon Simic & Hitomi Naito (UTM) def. Kromer & Kent (LU) 6-2
Burcu Tari & Tamara Klimek (UTM) def. Djuknic & Troxel (LU) 7-6 (6-3)
Singles:
Ivon Simic (UTM) def. Deahna Welcher (LU) 6-3, 3-6 (10-6)
Melissa Kromer (LU) def. Hitomi Naito (UTM) 4-6, 7-6 (11-9)
Laura Kent (LU) def. Sarah Candeloro (UTM) 5-7, 7-6 (10-7)
Jenny Borck (LU) def. Burcu Tari (UTM) 6-2, 7-6
Lorena Djuknic (LU) def. Tamara Klimek (UTM) 6-1, 6-1
Jessica Silva (UTM) def. Sierra Troxel (LU) 6-7, 0-6
