(Marshall, Mich.)The Concordia women's tennis team kicked off their 2020 fall season with a match against Olivet. The Cardinals traveled to Marshall, Michigan as Marshall High School served as the host. The Cardinals came from behind to defeat the Comets, 5-4.
The Cardinals earned their first point at two doubles as Tina Permualla and Kayla Verhelle (SR) won 8-6. Olivet held the advantage after the double matches 2-1.
Elle Fritcha (FR/Fort Wayne, IN) evened the score 2-2 after working quickly to defeat her opponent 6-2, 6-1. The Comets went on to take a 4-3 advantage until Kayla Verhelle turned the tide. Verhelle battled to a three set tie-breaker 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 and eventually won the tie breaker by two (10-8). The Cardinals would go on to win the last two points in dramatic fashion. Tina Permualla earned a point at four singles, 6-4, 6-4 and Clorissa Smith (JR) earned the match winning point for the Cardinals at six singles, 6-4, 6-2.
This is the first time the Cardinals have started the fall season with a win since the tennis program was reinstated in 2014. It is also the second time in eight tries since 2014 the Cardinals have defeated Olivet.
The Cardinals will look to keep their momentum going when they face Grace Christian University on September 21st.
