By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
SALINA, Kan. – Fort Hays State competed in its first team match of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday (Sept. 13) at Kansas Wesleyan University. The Tigers allowed only three points in doubles play and swept singles matches in straight sets to win 7-0 over the Coyotes.
The No. 1 team of Irina Alfonso and Fiorella Mendez and the No. 2 team of Ines Latorre and Shreethika Vangalablanked their opposition 8-0, while the No. 3 team of Grace Unruh and Heidi Lubbers won 8-3.
Latorre did not surrender a point in either of her matches for the day as she won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 singles. Alfonso surrendered just a point in each set of her No. 1 singles match (6-1, 6-1). At No. 6, Ines Steeman blanked her opponent in the first set before hanging on for a 7-5 win in the second set. The remaining three matches were a bit more competitive. At No. 2 Vangala won 6-4, 6-3, at No. 3 Mendez won 6-4, 6-2, and at No. 5 Unruh won 6-3, 6-4.
Twin sisters Heidi Lubbers and Hope Lubbers each played exhibition matches. Heidi won 8-2, 8-0, and Hope won 8-1, 8-0.
Now 1-0, Fort Hays State heads to Pueblo, Colorado this weekend for three matches. They face MSU Denver on Friday at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 MT) before taking on Colorado Mesa and CSU Pueblo on Saturday with action set to start at 9:30 a.m. (8:30 MT).