SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - Grace's women's tennis took to the courts to begin the 2023-24 campaign on Saturday afternoon. The Lancers came out on top in the Crossroads League opener by the final scoreline of 5-2.

The Lancers held the early advantage after sweeping the doubles' point to lead off the match. 

Kiersten Martin and Molli Runestad combined to take the first doubles match 6-0.

Jimena Ramirez and Alejandra Sandoval paired together at No. 1 doubles to secure the doubles' point, winning their matchup 6-3. Anna Graves and Lydia Ruegsegger cleaned up the final doubles match 7-6 (1) to take an early 1-0 in the match.

The Cougars drew the match even at one apiece, taking the first singles point from No. 3 singles. The Lancers earned the next two points to retake the lead. Sandoval (No. 4) won in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 and Ramirez (No. 1) took her match 6-2, 6-3 to put the visitors on the verge of victory. 

Spring Arbor clawed back within one point and were ahead in the final two pairings, but the Lancers stormed back and took the final two points to secure the victory.

After falling 6-4 in the first set, Runestad battled back to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Martin was able to bring home the final point in three sets 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 to finish off the match 5-2. 

The next match for the Lancers will be the home opener on Sept. 5 against Goshen. The match is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts.

DOUBLES

Ramirez/Sandoval def. McNally/Pake, 6-3
Graves/Ruegsegger, 7-6 (1)
Martin/Runestad, 6-0

SINGLES

Jimena Ramirez def. Moorea McNally, 6-2, 6-3
Victoria Herrington def. Lydia Ruegsegger, 6-3, 6-1
Rebekah Pake def. Anna Graves, 6-0, 6-3
Alejandra Sandoval def. Olivia Creech, 6-4, 6-4
Molli Runestad def. Andrea Vandermark, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
Kiersten Martin def. Katlyn Posey, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3