WINONA LAKE – Grace College’s women’s tennis team won its second match in a row with a convincing 8-1 victory over conference rival Bethel Saturday at Miller Field. The Lady Lancers (4-5, 2-5 Crossroads League) claimed all three doubles points, including a battle at the top position. Natalia Kurkova and Kristin Cassidy trailed 6-3 at No. 1 doubles, but the duo came back to win 9-8 (7-5). Gabrielle Lawrence and Mariah Zumbrun at No. 2 doubles and Sarah Hinkel and Katie Etter at No. 3 doubles each won by an 8-1 score. Kurkova at No. 1 singles (6-0, 6-1) and Cassidy at No. 2 (6-1, 6-1) made short work of their opponents to kick off singles play. Lawrence blanked the Pilots at No. 6 singles 6-0, 6-0. Hinkel claimed a 6-4, 6-0 victory at No. 4 singles, and Zumbrun battled to a three-set win at No. 5. Jayna Huber nearly pulled off a come-from-behind victory at No. 3 singles, ultimately slipping by the slimmest of margins 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 11-13. “We put together another nice team win today,” said Grace head coach Scott Moore. “I was extremely happy with my No. 1 doubles team. They were down 3-6 early, so I challenged them a little bit and they responded. Although she did not win, I thought Jayna showed some real toughness today at No. 3 singles. She is going to be vital for us to take the next step.” The Lady Lancers conclude the Crossroads League regular season Tuesday with a trip to Goshen. Grace is currently in seventh place in the league standings, one game out of a tie for fifth place.
