Much Improved In Season Opener

Much Improved In Season Opener

FARGO, N.D. (2/08/14)—A much-improved Concordia team took to the courts for the season opener and although the outcome was settled early, the competitive drive of the Cobbers is a sign of good things to come in 2014.

Concordia lost two doubles matches in a tie-breaker, never recovered and lost 7-2 to Hamline in the MIAC opener for both teams. The win is the first for the Pipers who move to 1-2 on the season.

"Those first doubles matches could have gone either way," commented first-year head coach Steve Futchko. "The girls battled and were in good position to win but couldn't finish. It's always nice to be in those positions to win and it is something we can work on going forward."

The doubles matches that fell in favor of the Pipers were contested at the No.1 and No.2  spots. Both matches went to the tie-breaker and both matches had spots where the CC doubles teams could have taken control of the match.

One of the biggest highlights for the Cobbers came at No.1 singles where sophomore Brittany Glatt rallied from a set down to post a 5-7, 7-5, 10-3 win in the super-set tiebreaker. "Britt refused to give in and just wore her opponent down, said Futchko. "It was a fun match to watch and a great start to the season for her."

Glatt's win equals her season total from all of last season.

The other singles win for Concordia came at the No.5 spot where sophomore Morgan Sawatzke cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 straight set victory.

"Mo (Morgan) took control of her match from the very first game," said Futchko. "She was making shots and dictating the play the entire match."

Concordia will have a pair of away matches next weekend when they play at St. Cloud St. and St. Scholastica on Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16.