PIKEVILLE, Ky.— The Montreat women's tennis team squared off against the University of Pikeville Bears, a team receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll, Friday afternoon in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) showdown. After suffering a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the hosts, the Cavaliers fell to 1-8 (1-2 AAC) on the year.
With Montreat forfeiting the third doubles pairing, Pikeville (6-0, 2-0 AAC) needed just one of the other two matchups to start in front on the team scoreboard.
Chiharu Ito and
Ainhoa Ordonez nearly overcame their opponents in the top slot, but they ultimately dropped a 7-6 (7-3) final.
Clara Roman and
Annika Rojas also lost in their bout, 6-4.
Winning five of her last six finished singles matches, Ito continued to stay hot in individual action. The freshman won in straight sets at No. 1, 6-3, 6-2. With Ito's triumph, the Cavs found their way onto the scoresheet; however, Pikeville claimed the remaining singles spots to ensure a 6-1 victory.
Roman seized six games across her two frames played on the fourth court, while Ordonez and Rojas captured three and two, respectively. The visitors forfeited the last two singles matches.
Montreat is back at it tomorrow afternoon with another AAC clash, this time versus No. 15 Union Commonwealth University. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Charles D. Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C.
***Due to the University of Pikeville playing ineligible student-athletes, Montreat College later received a 1-0 forfeit win.
