Tigers fight hard but fall short against MIAA competition

The Tigers had two tough matchups last week, especially for the women’s program as they played against NCAA lll teams, The Calvin University Knights of Grand Rapids, MI and The Albion College Britons of Albion, MI. 

During the Monday night Calvin match up, Freshman and #4 singles Olivia Alcumbrack had a performance worth mentioning. Although she was not able to secure the win, Alcumbrack took her opponent into a tie breaker and played sets of 4,6 6,3 and 10,12. In the end the women’s program did not get the win this time but looks forward to implementing everything they learned in practice for their next match ahead. The ladies continue to improve not only in skills but match knowledge as well. 

Moving onto the weekend, on the men’s side the team came up short in their sets for both singles and doubles play against the Britons. Their performances are worth noting as each individual played to their strengths and held their heads high after the team loss against Albion this weekend. 

Senior and #1 Singles Bryce Hoeker says, “While our opponents were better players with more experience and training, we still played smart and won points when we could. As a team we need to work on playing with intensity and hitting with intention. Defensive playing is good, but it’s hard to win points consistently against a stronger opponent. We need more fire in our eyes, and we need to wear our opponents down.” 

Hoeker is excited for the rest of the season and continues to embrace the challenge and lead the men’s program with tenacity and diligence. 

The women played extremely admirably during the Albion match and showed grit as well as determination. Although Grace came up short in their doubles, each partner and flight had close games without giving an easy win to the opposing side. For the singles flights, #1 Singles Freshman Krysten Nolen and Senior Ashleigh Welty at  #3 Singles held the team down. Both players played 2 full sets including a 10 point tiebreaker. Welty did not win but her sets consisted of 5,7 6,3 and finishing 8,10. After a long and hard fought battle, Nolen was able to secure the win of the day for the Tigers taking her opponent to 3,6 7(5), 6, and wrapping up the tie breaker 10,4. 

Coach Jon Bushen looks forward to getting back at practice and polishing up their skills more as they prepare for their next opponents. Both of the programs are off this week from traveling and will be back on the road to Indiana as they prepare for their first Tri match of the season against NCAA Division lll Bethel University and Manchester University. Be sure to follow the team on social media for any upcoming updates.