The doubles team of freshmen Rachel Yoder and Kara Schrock had the most impressive start of the day, grabbing an early lead before falling 8-2. Meanwhile, senior Nikki Phillips drew perhaps her most difficult assignment of the season, squaring off against Kristen Frick of Manchester, currently the top-rated player in the HCAC. Despite winning just one game, Phillips and Frick played many long games, giving reason for optimism heading into the upcoming matches.
Phillips also teamed up with freshman Jenna Neuenschwander on the Beavers’ first doubles team, as they also faced maybe their toughest opponents this year. The pair fell 8-1, but showed an ability to work together and won some impressive points throughout the match. The third doubles team of Stephanie Keefe and Jen Myers won the most games of any Bluffton duo, falling 8-3. Keefe also played tough at second doubles for the Beavers, falling 6-2, 6-1, to Manchester’s Elizabeth Weybright.
Bluffton will be looking for more improvement this Saturday, when they host Earlham, at one p.m.
