Warriors Secure Victories in Back-to-Back Duals
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University returned to action on the tennis court this weekend as it hosted Augustana University and Kansas Wesleyan University inside the Fremont Family YMCA. The Warriors earned wins in both duals, walking off a 4-2 winner of Augustana on Friday and then defeating Kansas Wesleyan 6-1 on Saturday.
FRIDAY: Midland 4, Augustana 2
Midland kicked off the weekend with a 4-2 victory over Augustana on Friday. The Warriors got off to a strong start by claiming the doubles point with impressive wins in two of the three matchups. Joren Stevens and Benjamin Starman secured the No. 1 spot with a tight 7-6 victory over Henry Dornbusch and Thomas Kano. At No. 2, Vitor Goncalves and Daniel Liebig combined forces for a solid 6-3 win against Meg Siritaworachan and Sebastian Garcia.
In singles action, the Warriors showcased their dominance, clinching victories at No. 2, No. 3, and No. 5. Joren Stevens exhibited his skill with a commanding performance at No. 2, defeating Thomas Kano with a score of 6-0, 6-4. Vitor Goncalves at No. 3 secured a 7-6, 6-2 win, while Daniel Liebig battled through three sets at No. 5, emerging victorious with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-3.
SATURDAY: Midland 6, Kansas Wesleyan 1
The momentum carried over to Saturday as Midland dominated Kansas Wesleyan with a resounding 6-1 triumph. The Warriors left no room for doubt by claiming victories in all three doubles matches. Joren Stevens and Benjamin Starman displayed their synergy once again at No. 1, securing a 7-6 win over Bryce Ware and Alex Sherer. Goncalves and Hernandes at No. 2 added to the tally with a 6-4 victory against Raul Davalo-Gavino and Adam Hanson, while Bitzer and Masuda sealed the doubles point at No. 3 with a 6-3 win over Luke Craft and Paulo Cattani Martini.
Singles play was equally impressive, as Midland secured wins in five out of six matches. Benjamin Starman orchestrated a comeback at No. 1, overcoming Bryce Ware with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Joren Stevens continued his winning streak with a straight-set victory at No. 2 (6-0, 6-3), while Goncalves at No. 3 (6-2, 6-4) and Bitzer at No. 5 (4-6, 7-6, 6-2) added to the Warriors' point total. Ryosei Masuda earned the final point at No. 6, securing a decisive victory over Jacob Phelps with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
With back-to-back wins on its home court, Midland will look to continue its strong start to the spring when it goes on the road in a couple of weeks. The Warriors will travel to Kansas to take on Bethel and McPherson on March 1 and March 2.