Busy Week for Netters Battling Two Tough Conference Opponents

McKENZIE, Tenn. - Bethel University played host to the Cumberlands Patriots and University of Pikeville Bears over the weekend. The men's team did not fare well in the matches, losing both conference openers. The Lady Netters went even on the weekend losing 6-1 to the Patriots of UC but the Lady Cats gained the split with a 4-0 win over the Lady Bears of UPIKE.

 In the UC match, the Lady Cats found a way to pull out the win in doubles which was huge heading into the singles sets. The Cats went up 1-0 and only needed three points to clinch a win over a top ten NAIA team. Having three young ladies fight their way to third sets was impressive.

Edisa Hot lost her first set 6-1 but battled to win the second set 5-7. In the deciding set she came up short losing a heart breaker 6-4. Tijana Svitlica found herself in the same situation. With her match even, she fell short losing 6-3 in the third. Marina Zotelli also pushed a third setter but came up short 6-4 in the final set.

 Each young lady competed at a high level to push the No. 8 team in the country to a match of this caliber. UC Coach Chin told Coach Derek Hubble after the match his team was headed in the right direction.

In men's action the Cats won two doubles with Leonel Caspe and Pedro Vecchi winning over the Patriots 6-3. Marcos Neves gave the Wildcats a point at four singles, winning 6-2 and 6-3.

The UPIKE match turned into a marathon as the squads began their matches Saturday at 1 p.m. The Cats and Bears completed their doubles play. The Lady Cats were up 1-0 and then action was stopped after a two -hour rain delay. Play was resumed at 11 a.m. Sunday where the Cats needed just three points for a victory.

Hot came in strong with a 6-1 and 6-1 win, while Svitlica also dominated her match 6-1 and 6-0. Sophia Vascancellos was on court three for the clincher and she did just that winning the first set 6-4 and the second in a set two tiebreaker at 7-4.

 After a long weekend, the Lady Cats returned to action on Tuesday against IU Kokomo. The Cats won 6-1. All three doubles team won their match and secured the point.

Hot won her match 6-0 and 6-2. Svitlica won 6-1 and 6-0. Vasconcellos took care of business at 6-3 and 6-0. Sofija Rajic went to the third set, and pulled out the win 6-3, 6-7, and 10-5 in the tiebreaker. Wrapping up the win for the Lady Cats was Kelsie Seiber winning her match, 7-5 and 6-4.

Coach Hubble commented, "I am seeing these teams improve every time out. Both teams are giving their best effort in each match. We have to keep positive mindsets for both teams and focus on matches ahead of us. It is a long season and this was our first conference weekend and overall I like what I saw. We will continue to strive for excellence and take one match at a time." Coach Hubble added, "The senior leadership from our seniors has been a huge part of the their success. I see our time coming soon for both teams to reach their potential."