MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Grace's women's tennis battled tough at Bethel on Thursday afternoon. The Pilots, who are receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll, were able to outlast the upset bid with a 5-2 final score.

Jimena Ramirez and Alejandra Sandoval got the match started off with a 6-2 performance to win at No. 1 doubles to put pressure on the home team. Grace, however, was unable to get the decisive point, falling 4-6 and 4-6 in the remaining doubles matches. 

As the match turned to singles, the Pilots extended the early lead, taking the first point from Lydia Ruegsegger at No. 3 singles.. 

Sandoval blanked her opponent 6-0 in the first game and continued a strong performance to win 6-4 and earn the first point for Grace.

From there, the match went back and forth with each team taking a point. First for Bethel at No. 5 singles and Anna Graves for the Lancers with a three-set triumph at No. 2 doubles.

The match came down to the final two points. Unfortunately for Grace, the team in blue was able to sneak away with both to win the match. Kiersten Martin (No. 5) fell in straight sets and Ramirez dropped a three-set heartbreaker to finish the day.

The next match for the Lancers will be at home against Saint Francis on Sept. 9. First serve is set for 11 a.m. at the Don Cramer Tennis Courts.

DOUBLES

Ramirez/Sandoval def. Ferenczy/Heckaman, 6-2
Palani/Kokoula def. Graves/Ruegsegger, 6-4
Gonzalez/Steyn def. Martin/Runestad, 6-4

SINGLES

Kaavya Palani def. Jimena Ramirez, 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(5) 
Anna Graves def. Szilvi Ferenczy, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
Ariadni Kokoula def. Lydia Ruegsegger, 6-2, 6-3
Alejandra Sandoval def. Julieta Gonzalez, 6-0, 6-4
Kyla Steyn def. Molli Runestad, 6-3, 6-4
Sandy Sharaf def. Kiersten Martin, 6-2, 6-1