Defiance Falls to Manchester (Ind.)

DEFIANCE, OHIO – The Defiance College women's tennis team looked to continue their winning streak, but fell short by a match score of 9-0 after battling Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Manchester (Ind.) University.

Defiance (1-5, 0-2 HCAC) began doubles play strong, taking many of the first games of each match. In the end, the Spartans (2-1, 2-0 HCAC) proved to be stronger, winning all three doubles matches. Senior Savannah Marquez (Porterville, Calif. /Porterville) and freshman Hannah Hesterman (Archbold) had the closest match of the afternoon, going the distance with a final score of 9-7 at the first doubles spot.

In singles play, senior Nicole Tank (Lincoln Park, Mich. /Roosevelt) fought hard at the fourth singles spot, but eventually fell to Manchester (Ind.) by a score of 6-4, 6-3. Senior Haley Kuhlman (Oregon/Clay) gave a strong effort in the third spot, coming up short by a score of 6-1, 6-2. Hesterman had the longest match of the evening, and forced her Spartan opponent to a first set tie-break, but ended up finishing behind by a score of 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.

The Yellow Jackets will return to the courts on Saturday, Sept. 19 when they host HCAC rival Transylvania (Ky.) University. The match is set to begin at noon.