Leavenworth, Kan. – The Bulldogs opened their final road stretch with a matchup against the University of Saint Mary Spires. McPherson entered the contest unbeaten in KCAC play, while Saint Mary searched for their seventh conference win of the season.
The Basics
Location: David Brewer Park
Score: MC 6, USM 1
Records: MC 14-5 (KCAC 10-0), USM 8-7 (KCAC 6-5)
How it Happened
For the first time in conference play this season, the Bulldogs dropped the opening point after falling in all three doubles matchups. McPherson didn’t take long to respond though, as Vanessa Hofer and Taimi Nashiku set the tone in the singles with commanding straight-set wins at the #1 and #2 spots, each rolling 6-2, 6-0.
The #3 Singles matchup was more tightly contested. Bella Ellerbee won the opening set 6-1, but Saint Mary’s Monserrat Guerrero answered with a tiebreak win in the second to even things up. Ellerbee had no problems in the third, securing the point with a 6-2 finish.
Laureen Van Drunen kept the momentum going at #4 Singles, putting together a strong performance with 6-2, 6-1 set wins.
At #5, Maria Luisa de Lama battled through a tight three-set match. She claimed the first set in a 7-4 tiebreak, dropped the second, and then came through once again in a tiebreak to give the Bulldogs a 5-1 advantage.
Eva Lesteluhu put the finishing touches on the Bulldogs 6-1 win at #6 Singles, grinding out a 7-5 first set before closing strong with 6-2 win.
