By Kristian Gecaj, Staff Writer
The Newman tennis team faced some tough competition last weekend as both the men’s and women’s teams lost their games.
The Jets traveled to Springfield, Mo., to compete against Southwest Baptist on Saturday and Drury on Sunday.
The women’s team lost 3-4 against No.18 Southwest Baptist. After winning all three doubles games, the Jets took a 1-0 lead in the match. Southwest Baptist won three single games to make it 1-3. Victories from Emily Young and Marian Gaviria tied it up at 3-3. The Jets couldn’t complete their comeback and lost the final game making the final score 3-4.
The Jets picked up three singles victories over Drury in their 3-4 loss, with wins coming from Young, Mirella Calvalcanti and Gaviria.
Young extended her winning streak to six after her two singles victories last weekend.
“I felt I played well and was happy to win two tough singles matches,” Young said.
The men’s team lost 0-7 against No.10 Southwest Baptist. Teodor Antelj and Lauri Soome lost their first sets before coming back to win their second sets and force the third sets.
The Jets lost 0-7 for the second consecutive day as they faced Drury. Soome and Szbin Pusztay forced third sets but were unable to get the victory.
Soome is hoping the losses will provide motivation for his team.
“Even though we lost, I believe the experience has helped us see what we need to do in order to be ready for the conference matches starting in March,” Soome said.
The Jets regained some confidence on Wednesday as both the men’s and women’s teams swept aside Kansas Wesleyan winning 7-0 and 5-0 respectively.
The Jets travel to Kansas City on Friday to face Maryville.
The next day they travel to Topeka to play against Washburn.
PHOTO: SOPHOMORE EMILY YOUNG extended her winning streak to six matches after her two singles victories last weekend Courtesy Photo, Newman Athletics.
