By Michael Stewart, Assistant Sports Editor (Courtesy photo/Bison Athletics)
The Oklahoma Baptist women’s tennis team claimed the Great American Conference regular season title after defeating Harding University Friday, April 13. The Lady Bison dominated the match, winning 5-1.
“It was a special experience,” junior Alex Bowers said. “The team really stepped up to the occasion. I was really proud of how everyone played.”
The Lady Bison got out to an early 2-1 lead over Harding after the doubles matchups.
At No. 1 doubles, the duo of senior Kateryna Shkot and sophomore Kim Moosbacher secured an 8-3 victory over their opponents. Also, the No. 3 doubles pair of Bowers and junior Caroline Abbe were able to earn another 8-3 win.
“Throughout the matches, everyone kept a positive attitude,” Bowers said. “Having a whole team behind you makes all the difference.”
At singles, Shkot, Moosbacher, and junior Madeleine Boepple earned victories at Nos. 1, 2, and 5 to clinch the match. Walsh and Bowers were both winning their singles matches at the time; however, the final result was already official.
“Everyone played really well,” sophomore Tahlia Walsh. “This is a special team with big goals.”
This marks the second regular season title in three seasons for the Lady Bison. OBU finished the regular season with a perfect 6-0 GAC record, and a 12-4 record overall.
“We are firing on all cylinders right now,” Walsh said. “We are really looking forward to the conference tournament.”
The Lady Bison finish the regular season at Abilene Christian Univeristy April 24.
The Oklahoma Baptist men’s tennis team also squared off with Harding in the Great American Conference finale, but the Bison were defeated. The Bison entered the match looking to bounce back from a loss on April 10 to Southwestern Oklahoma State University; however, Harding ultimately dominated the match.
“We came into the match excited to play,” junior Lucas Branco said. “We knew that they were going to be a solid opponent.”
Sophomore Kevin Andrusch and sophomore Gianlucci Galdi secured the only doubles victory for the Bison at No. 1 doubles, 9-7. This left the Bison in a deep hole heading into singles matches; they were unable to overcome the deficit. Galdi and Matias Le Fort were leading their singles matches, but were cut short because Harding had already secured the win.
“Despite the loss, this team never gave up,” Branco said. “I’m very proud of our effort.”
The loss pushed the Bison to 1-2 in GAC play and 7-7 overall.
“Our main focus now is doing well in the postseason tournament,” Galdi said. “However, first we want to close out the regular season on a high note.
The Bison will also conclude the regular season April 24 at Abilene Christian University.
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