Tennis players win big on senior day against Hastings College

A lineup of the senior men’s tennis players.

Photo credit: Maximus Fritsche

By Joe McCarroll

Senior day saw Concordia men’s and women’s tennis earn dominant team victories over Hastings College, sweeping the matches 7-0 on March 25 and 26.

In men’s singles play on March 25, the Bulldogs controlled every court with straight-set victories. Senior Nick Velders, who was recognized as the Great Plains Athletic Conference men’s player of the week (March 16-22), and who is yet to be defeated in singles, led the way at No. 1 with a 6-1, 6-0 win. Coach Lisa Hart described his recent form as “a class act.”

Junior Daniel Caballeros followed at No. 2, defeating Ben Hafer 6-4, 6-4. Freshman Leo Lopez secured a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 3, while senior Santiago Abadia cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4. Senior Michael Bedrosian added a hard-fought 6–1, 7–5 win at No. 5, and junior Joseph Melzer completed the singles sweep with a 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 6.

Concordia preceded the singles dominance with a strong doubles crew, sweeping all three courts to secure the overall team win. The No. 1 pair of Leo Lopez and Daniel Caballeros won 6-3. At No. 2, senior Hugo Fuentes and Abadia dominated with a 6-0 victory. Velders and Bedrosian closed out the match with a 6-0 win at No. 3.

In women’s action, the Bulldogs controlled every match with strong performances across the lineup on March 26. Senior Mariana Molano set the tone at No. 1 with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Junior Chakira Derman followed with a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2, while sophomore Ishane Derman earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 3. Senior Alana Lopez Pagan battled through a three-set match at No. 4, winning 6-1, 4-6, 10-6. Senior Alexa Richert secured a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 5, and sophomore Nina Milic closed out singles play with a 6–3, 6–1 victory at No. 6.

Concordia did the same in doubles, sweeping all three courts to complete the team victory. The No. 1 duo of Molano and Ishane Derman won 6-2. At No. 2, Chakira Derman and Lopez Pagan dominated with a 6-0 victory. Senior Lauren Gottberg and Richert sealed the sweep with a 6-3 win at No. 3.

The Bulldogs’ dominant sweep made Senior Day even more special, as both teams celebrated their seniors with an impressive and memorable performance on the court. Coach Lisa Hart praised her seniors on both teams.

“[The senior play] such a big part of setting the culture and a commitment to excellence throughout their time,” Hart said.