Women's Tennis | 4/28/2023 8:16:00 PM
TOPEKA, Kan. — Survive and advance. The McPherson College Bulldogs did just that Friday (Apr. 28), upsetting top-seeded Southwestern College 4-2 in a thrilling KCAC semifinal at the Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan.
"I am beyond proud of these girls!" head coach Keiran President said. "For a four seed to beat a one seed, that shows a lot of hunger and grit!"
Kayla Ortiz and Maddie Dobson set the tone early in doubles, picking up a 6-3 win in the #3 spot, then Camila Sanchez and Vanessa Hofer gave the Bulldogs the doubles point with a convincing 6-2 victory.
The Moundbuilders bounced back to take a 2-1 lead overall, with Emily Feihle defeating Dobson, then Mariana Ochoa taking down Hofer.
Sanchez gave the momentum back to the Bulldogs with a 6-4, 6-4 win in the top singles spot to level the score, then Ortiz put the Bulldogs on top with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 win. Kendra Maples sealed the upset win with a three-set thriller, winning the first set 6-4 before dropping set two 5-7. Maples wrapped it up with a 6-1 third set.
"Our women have not beaten Southwestern in the last three years, and this makes it the biggest conference win for our women's team in the timeframe," President said. "We are not done yet. We are going to get some rest and come out to play Ottawa tomorrow. Let's go Bulldogs!"
Full Results
Doubles
1. Coe/Ochoa (SC) vs. Maxey/Maples (MC) — 5-3 UNF
2. Sanchez/Hofer (MC) def. Hauska/Roberts (SC) — 6-2
3. Ortiz/Dobson (MC) def. Hartnett/Feihle (SC) — 6-3
Singles
1. Camila Sanchez (MC) def. Catherine Coe (SC) — 6-4, 6-4
2. Jasmin Hauska (SC) vs. Grace Maxey (MC) — 6-4, 4-5 UNF
3. Mariana Ochoa (SC) def. Vanessa Hofer (MC) — 6-1, 6-3
4. Kendra Maples (MC) def. Grace Roberts (SC) — 6-4, 5-7, 6-1
5. Kayla Ortiz (MC) def. Ella Hartnett (SC) — 7-5, 7-5
6. Emily Feihle (SC) def. Maddie Dobson (MC) — 6-0, 6-0
Up Next
The Bulldogs advance to the KCAC championship match Saturday (Apr. 29) to take on Ottawa University, where they will look to avenge a regular-season loss to the Braves 4-3. The match will begin at 2 p.m. in Topeka, Kan.
