HILLSBORO, Kan. – The Tabor College men's and women's tennis teams put forth strong efforts in a grueling doubleheader against Ottawa University and Baker University on Monday, March 10. Despite falling short in both matches, the Bluejays showed resilience and determination throughout the day.

"Long day on the courts today," head coach Jeremy Nelson said. "We played hard but just came up short in both matches. Both squads, Baker and Ottawa, are tough on both the men's and women's sides. We pushed them, gave everything we had, and came up a little bit short. Now we refocus and get ready for two more matches this week."

Women's Results

Against Baker (Lost 5-2)

The Bluejays fought hard against Baker, securing two points through default victories. In doubles, Fiorella Villa and Allison Johnson as well as Margaret Bates and Piper Foegen put together competitive efforts but ultimately fell 6-2. Cassidy Boyer and Sheridan Bussard secured Tabor's first win by default.

Doubles:

• Fiorella Villa/Allison Johnson lost 6-2

• Margaret Bates/Piper Foegen lost 6-2

• Cassidy Boyer/Sheridan Bussard won by default

In singles play, Villa, Johnson, Foegen, and Bates faced challenging matchups, battling for every point but falling in straight sets. Boyer and Bussard claimed additional points for the Bluejays with default victories.

Singles:

• Fiorella Villa lost 6-0, 6-0

• Allison Johnson lost 6-0, 6-1

• Piper Foegen lost 6-0, 6-1

• Margaret Bates lost 6-0, 6-1

• Cassidy Boyer won by default

• Sheridan Bussard won by default

Against Ottawa (Lost 5-2)

The Bluejays only competed in singles against Ottawa and managed to grab two points from default wins. Villa played a close match, nearly forcing a third set but ultimately falling 7-5, 6-4. Johnson and Boyer both fought hard but were unable to find their rhythm, while Foegen and Bates showed great effort despite falling in their matches.

Singles:

• Fiorella Villa lost 7-5, 6-4

• Allison Johnson lost 0-6, 0-6

• Piper Foegen lost 6-1, 6-0

• Cassidy Boyer lost 0-6, 0-6

• Margaret Bates won by default

• Sheridan Bussard won by default

Men's Results

Against Baker (Lost 5-2)

The Bluejays had a strong showing against Baker, but ultimately lost 5-2. In doubles, Ethan Kutz and Ko Osuga set the tone with a dominant 6-3 win. Alexandre Boljesic and Peter Jost, along with John Ferley and Collin Branam, competed fiercely but fell in their matches.

Doubles:

• Ethan Kutz/Ko Osuga won 6-3

• Alexandre Boljesic/Peter Jost lost 6-2

• John Ferley/Collin Branam lost 6-0

In singles, Osuga battled through an intense three-set match, emerging victorious with a 2-6, 6-3, 10-7 win. Kutz and Boljesic put up valiant fights but fell in competitive matches. Ferley delivered a strong performance, securing another point for Tabor with a 6-0, 6-3 win.

Singles:

• Ko Osuga won 2-6, 6-3, 10-7

• Ethan Kutz lost 6-3, 6-4

• Alexandre Boljesic lost 6-3, 6-2

• Peter Jost lost 6-2, 6-1

• John Ferley won 6-0, 6-3

• Collin Branam lost 6-2, 6-0

Against Ottawa (Lost 6-1)

In singles-only play against Ottawa, the Bluejays fought through several close matches but ultimately fell 6-1. Osuga played hard while, Kutz, and Jake Goertzen took their matches to extra sets but were unable to capitalize. Jost secured the lone win for Tabor, displaying grit and composure with a 4-6, 6-1 victory.

Singles:

• Ko Osuga lost 6-3, 6-4

• Ethan Kutz lost 6-1, 4-6, 6-0

• Jake Goertzen lost 6-2, 2-6, 6-0

• Alexandre Boljesic lost 6-2, 6-2

• Peter Jost won 4-6, 6-1

• John Ferley lost 6-3, 6-0

Looking Ahead

Despite the tough results, the Bluejays remain focused on their upcoming matches. With two more contests later in the week, Tabor will use these experiences to continue improving and refining their game. The team looks forward to bouncing back and making the most of their opportunities in the upcoming matchups. The first being against Sterling College on Thursday March 13th.