OCT. 9-11 — Goshen Settles For Third In MCC Tournament
Team starts event on fire; Brenneman named Coach Of The Year

Junior Sarah Yoder Freshman Hannah Gingerich

Indianapolis, IN — This year’s Mid-Central Conference Tournament was a gamut of emotions for the Goshen women’s tennis team, as the Leafs — who finished the regular season as the second-place squad — eventually grabbed third place honors at the event. After being the only team in the conference to win all matches on Thursday, Goshen found the going a bit rougher on the second day, as the Leafs could only capture one more team point before falling at each position.

“We got off to an awesome start in tournament play on Thursday,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Unfortunately, day two was a tough one.”

Senior Emily Gingerich was the only Goshen player to win a match at any position on Friday, as she defeated Taylor’s number four singles player 7-5, 6-3. This was quite a contrast to the Leafs’ first day of MCC Tournament play, where every player at every position — in both singles and doubles — won their respective matches to give Goshen nine team points heading into day two.

“(Freshman) Erin Gotwals had a bit of an up and down match eventually losing to a very steady player at number six singles and becoming our first two seed upset on Friday,” Brenneman said. “All four other singles players faced higher seeds. They fought well but all eventually fell. We were so very close to making a great showing in doubles. (Junior) Sarah Yoder and (sophomore) Angela Newcomer played a very strong match at number one finally losing in two very close sets to powerhouse Indiana Wesleyan. (Junior) Katie Beck and Emily Gingerich actually had a match point before falling to Marian in a third set tiebreak at number two doubles. (Sophomore) Allison Miller and (freshman) Hannah Gingerich took the first set very easily from the number one seed at number three doubles, but eventually succumbed in very close second and third sets.”

With the Leafs’ second-day blues, Taylor — who finished behind the Leafs in the regular season — was able to sneak past Brenneman’s squad for a second place tournament finish.

Despite dropping a position in tournament play, Goshen’s 8-2 season did not end without several awards. Brenneman was named the conference’s Coach Of The Year at the tournament, while Sarah Yoder and Hannah Gingerich were both named to All-MCC status. Coupled with the fact that Goshen has achieved a post-season berth for the third straight season — and for only the third time in school history — Brenneman said he felt this year a vast success.

“Overall I am very proud of this team’s effort,” Brenneman said. “While we would have liked to score a few more tournament points we are still officially the number two team in the conference and a regional qualifier. Hard work has paid off for this team.”

Goshen will compete in NAIA Regional competition in May of 2004 in Indianapolis. Check back to this site for the most up-to-date results and schedules for that event in the spring.
Final Results:
Indiana Wesleyan —22
Taylor — 12
Goshen — 10
Marian — 8
Huntington — 4
St. Francis — 3
Bethel — 3
Grace — 1
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Braun (B) 6-3, 6-1
Lost to Delaney (SF) 6-3, 6-0
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Turner (H) 6-4, 7-6
Lost to May (T) 6-3, 6-2
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Peters (G) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1
Lost to Carrel (IW) 6-1, 6-2
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Plett (H) 6-1, 6-2
def Bailin (T) 7-5, 6-3
Lost to Hedgebeth (IW) 6-2, 6-2
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Thompson (B) 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
Lost to Gehrke (IWU) 6-0, 6-0
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Workman (SF) 6-1, 6-0
Lost to Miller (HC) 6-2, 7-5
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Metz-Peters (Gr) 6-4, 6-2
Lost to Dukeman-Shuck (IW) 6-4, 7-5
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Ellis-Needles (Gr) 6-4, 6-4
Lost to Zilligen-Plett (M) 6-7, 6-3, 7-6
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def Thompson-Hostetlet (B) 6-2, 6-3
Lost to Pswarayi-Miller (M) 1-6, 6-4, 6-4

OCT. 7 — Squad Wraps Up Regular Season In Style
Goshen takes 8-1 decision at Anderson to head into MCC Tournament

Freshman Erin Gotwals

Anderson, IN — After its dramatic win over Taylor University which earned the Goshen women’s tennis team an automatic regional berth Friday, the squad displayed no signs of being content with an 8-1 win at Anderson University to conclude the regular season Tuesday afternoon.

Goshen (8-2, 6-1) received strong play from every position, lead by freshman Erin Gotwals’ dominant, 6-0, 6-0 performance at number six singles. Junior Sarah Yoder took a tough 6-4, 2-6, 6-10 loss to Anderson’s Brittney Zurcher at the number one singles slot in a match that was hurried by darkness.

“Overall this was a nice upbeat win on the road for us,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Our main goal tonight was to play sharp and continue to build momentum heading into the district tournament. Sarah was crafting a very nice comeback over a talented player when darkness forced a super-breaker. Even with the loss this was a positive match for her. Outside of that match everyone won with relative ease in both singles and doubles. We will have an upbeat practice tomorrow and hopefully come out fresh in Indy. Overall I am pleased with where we are mentally and physically heading into tourney play.”

Goshen will travel to Indianapolis Thursday to begin Mid-Central Conference Tournament competition. Matches will continue through the weekend.
Singles:
1) Brittney Zurcher (A) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-4, 2-6, 10-6
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Laura Jay (A) 6-2, 6-1
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Angie Heyne (A) 6-0, 7-6
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Amanda Norvell (A) 6-0, 6-1
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Mady Beier (A) 6-2, 6-0
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Abby Ervin (A) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Zurcher-Jay (A) 8-5
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Norvell-Beier (A) 8-1
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def Heyne-Ervin (A) 8-1

OCT. 3 — Leafs Get Regional Berth With Thriller Over Taylor
Goshen takes heartpounding 5-4 decision after rain forces the match indoors

Goshen, IN — In the biggest match of the season, the Goshen women’s tennis team came up with its best stuff, even if Mother Nature didn’t.

Forced to move Friday’s Mid-Central Conference match with Taylor University to the Goshen YWCA after a cold rain began to fall about 45 minutes into the event, Goshen came up with a dramatic, down-to-the-wire 5-4 win that secured a third consecutive bid to NAIA Regional competition for the Leafs, giving exasperated head coach Leon Brenneman a chance to collect his breath following the drama.

“Wow, this match had unbelievable emotional swings,” Brenneman said. “With the winner getting an automatic regional qualifying spot, the emotions were running high to begin with. Even with the bad weather forcing us inside, this match was everything it was built up to be.”

Two of the MCC’s top teams collided in an epic affair, with the transition from an outdoor match to an indoor match further adding to the suspense. Starting the match with singles play, Goshen (7-2, 6-1) got off to a hot start, winning four of the six singles positions but not by much. Junior Sarah Yoder’s 6-2, 6-1 win over Taylor’s Katie Clark was the only singles match that wasn’t close. Freshman Hannah Gingerich dropped a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 decision at number two, while sophomore Angela Newcomer got a big win at number three singles. Senior Emily Gingerich took the number four singles spot in straight sets, but junior Katie Beck could not finish inside what she started outside — after a 6-0 win before the rain moved the competition indoors, Beck dropped a 6-4, 6-2 disappointment. Having a 3-2 team-point lead in singles play, freshman Erin Gotwals came up big at the sixth and final singles slot, taking a 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 decision after winning the last nine games of the match.

“Sarah continued her momentum inside and played extremely well,” Brenneman said. “Hannah gave a very strong effort at number two and was two points from winning the match. Angela played by far her best match of the year and got us a critical three set win. Emily anchored number four with a very nice win. Katie got off to an incredible start but had trouble adjusting inside and took a tough loss at number five. Erin caught a great rhythm late in her match and won the last nine games to get us a key win at number six.”

Up by a 4-2 count, Goshen was in control. But Taylor refused to back down, taking both the number one and two doubles matches, meaning the automatic regional berth would depend upon which team won the number three doubles match. With every player and fan surrounding the final court playing, Goshen’s Hannah Gingerich and (sophomore) Allison Miller came away with an incredible 9-7 victory that set off the celebration for Brenneman and his team.

“Hannah and Allison held off a late momentum shift to close out the match in an extremely high-pressure situation,” Brenneman said. “I am very proud of this effort, as Taylor should be. They have a classy program. It feels great to be assured a regional position prior to the MCC Tournament.”

Even with the berth secured, Brenneman said he wants his team to continue to improve throughout the remainder of the season, in hopes of playing well at the conference tournament. The Leafs will conclude the regular season at Anderson on Tuesday, as match time is slated for 3 p.m. The Mid-Central Conference Tournament will take place in Indianapolis beginning Thursday.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Katie Clark (T) 6-2, 6-1
2) Holly May (T) def Hannah Gingerich (Go) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Leslie Davis (T) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Kristel Bailin (T) 6-4, 7-5
5) Lindsey Davis (T) def Katie Beck (Go) 0-6, 6-4, 6-2
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Jenny Hoyt (T) 3-6, 6-4, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Clark-May (T) def Yoder-Newcomer (Go) 8-3
2) Le Davis-Bailin (T) def Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) 8-4
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def Li Davis-Hoyt (T) 9-7

SEPT. 30 — Goshen Defeats Hungtington 6-3
Leafs' win sets up huge showdown with Taylor on Friday

Goshen, IN — Notching big points at doubles and then remaining strong in singles play, the Goshen women’s tennis team got a big 6-3 win against Mid-Central Conference foe Huntington Tuesday afternoon, setting up a heavyweight bout with MCC rival Taylor on Friday. With the win over the Foresters, Goshen can gain an automatic berth to NAIA Regional competition if the team defeats Taylor, which currently is undefeated in MCC play.

Tuesday, however, Goshen (6-2, 5-1) was completely focused at the task at hand, as was evident early in the match during doubles competition. After dropping the third doubles set and easily taking the first doubles slot, senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck found themselves in a dogfight at number two doubles. Coming back from two match points down, the duo defeated Huntington by a 9-7 count, giving Goshen a 2-1 lead heading into singles play.

“Emily and Katie fought back hard in that match, and it was a huge momentum swing for us that allowed us to go into the singles up 2-1,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Huntington is a very underrated team. They have very nice players and excellent depth. For the most part we played very well tonight and needed to.”

The Leafs secured a big win at number one doubles as junior Sarah Yoder took a 6-2, 6-2 decision over Huntington’s Becky Harness. Freshman Hannah Gingerich was able to secure a three set win at number two singles, while Emily Gignerich supplied a 6-4, 6-4 win at number four. Freshman Erin Gotwals also had a convincing 6-2, 6-4 win at number six singles.

“Sarah had an excellent day with a very impressive win over a veteran number one and a nice win in doubles as well,” Brenneman said. “Hannah finished strong to secure an important point. Emily struggled a bit but closed out well. Erin had a very nice win at number six and is peaking at the right time. Hopefully we will carry momentum from this win into our match on Friday.”

Goshen will host Taylor Friday at 4:30 p.m. Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan are the only two undefeated teams left in the MCC. Should Goshen defeat the Trojans, the team would automatically qualify for NAIA Regional competition in the spring. Goshen has qualified for regionals in each of the past two seasons.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Becky Harness (H) 6-2, 6-2
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Katie Turner (H) 6-2, 5-7, 6-1
3) Lindsey Weber (H) def Angela Newcomer (Go) 6-0, 6-3
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Stacy Plett (H) 6-4, 6-4
5) Beth Zilligen (H) def Katie Beck (Go) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Dawn Lauer (H) 6-2, 6-4
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Harness-Turner (H) 8-2
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Zilligen-Plett (H) 9-7
3) Weber-Kyleigh Gast (H) def H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) 8-4

SEPT. 27 — Leafs Get Back To Winning With 9-0 Thumping
Visiting St. Jospeh's no match for Goshen at any position in sweep

Goshen, IN — The Goshen women’s tennis team looked anything like a squad in the midst of a two-game losing streak on Saturday at the Goshen College Tennis Complex, as the Leafs handled visiting St. Joseph’s College by a 9-0 decision.

The Leafs took all singles positions in straight sets and dominated doubles play, led by freshman Hannah Gingerich and sophomore Allison Miller in the third doubles slot, who blanked their opponents by a 8-0 score.

“St. Joe is in a bit of a rebuilding season, but it is still good to get a nice solid win from every position,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “We have had a good week’s work and are building momentum for two very important conference matches next week. I am also very pleased with where we are at physically. Our long run and sprint times have been improving all season and we seem to be peaking at the right time.”

Senior Emily Gingerich had perhaps the most convincing win of the day for the Leafs, taking down St. Joseph’s Christie LaVette 6-0, 6-0 in number four singles competiton. Hannah Gingerich and classmate Erin Gotwals each captured 6-1, 6-1 decisions at numbers two and six singles, respectively.

With the win, Goshen (5-2, 4-1) ended a two game slide that included losses to Manchester and Indiana Wesleyan. Goshen will return to Mid-Central Conference play Tuesday, when the team hosts Huntington at 4 p.m. The Leafs will then host Taylor over Alumni Weekend, with that match beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Missy Baeham (SF) 6-2, 6-1
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Loretta Clevenger (SF) 6-1, 6-1
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Katie Davet (SF) 6-2, 6-3
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Christie LaVette (SF) 6-0, 6-0
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Candace Northam (SF) 6-2, 6-2
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Christie VanEyk (SF) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Beaham-Clevenger (SF) 8-1
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Dart-Lavette (SF) 8-2
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def Northam-VanEyk (SF) 8-0

SEPT. 23 — Goshen Can't Stop Bleeding At Wesleyan
Leafs drop second straight match of season, first in conference

Freshman Hannah Gingerich

Marion, IN — Just five days after suffering its first loss of the season at Manchester, Goshen was not able to defend its perfect Mid-Central Conference record, dropping a 9-0 decision to host Indiana Wesleyan.

The Leafs (4-2, 4-1) were able to stay close at several positions, but could not garner any match points. Freshman Hannah Gingerich was able to take Wesleyan’s Sarah Dukeman — who played the 2002 season as the Wildcats’ number one player — to a tiebrake in the second set at number two singles, but lost 6-1, 7-6. In a battle of undefeated twosomes, Goshen’s number two doubles team of senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck also dropped their first match of the year in an 8-6 heartbreaker.

“As expected, Indiana Wesleyan has a very strong team,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “We were perhaps a bit outmatched at several positions, but I felt the girls put up a good fight. (Junior) Sarah Yoder battled very well at number one singles, as did Hannah at number two. All three of the doubles matches were very much in reach. Sarah and (sophomore) Angela Newcomer had game points in three of the last four games after being tied 4-4. Katie and Emily played very well and came within an inch of a 7-5 lead to IWU’s undefeated number two doubles team. We definitely have some positives to take from this match and will use this to our benefit.”

Goshen will continue to play top-notch competition, as the squad will host NCAA Division II St. Joseph’s College Saturday. Match time is slated for 12 p.m.
Singles:
1) Kristi Shuck (IW) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 7-5, 6-2
2) Sarah Dukeman (IW) def Hannah Gingerich (Go) 6-1, 7-6
3) Erin Carrel (IW) def Angela Newcomer (Go) 6-0, 6-0
4) Diana Hedgebeth (IW) def Emily Gingerich (Go) 6-3, 6-1
5) Shannon Gehrke (IW) def Katie Beck (Go) 6-3, 6-1
6) Kristi Forgeng (IW) def Erin Gotwals (Go) 6-1, 6-3
Doubles:
1) Shuck-Dukeman (IW) def Yoder-Newcomer (Go) 8-4
2) Carrel-Hedgebeth (IW) def Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) 8-6
3) L. Becksvoort-A. Townsend (IW) def H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) 8-5

SEPT. 18 — Leafs Suffer First Loss Of Year At Manchester
Saprtans take 6-3 decision from visiting Goshen to blemish perfect record

Senior Emily Gingerich Junior Katie Beck

North Manchester, IN — In hindsight, venturing outside of Mid-Central Conference competition probably wasn’t the best idea for the Goshen women’s tennis team, as the squad dropped its first match of the season to NCAA Division III Manchester College by a 6-3 score Thursday night. Prior to Thursday’s match, Goshen was a perfect 4-0 on the year, with all four wins coming against MCC opponents.

“This was a tough loss,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “We came out a bit flat in doubles and it seemed to set the tone.”

Goshen’s number one doubles team of junior Sarah Yoder and sophomore Angela Newcomer lost a tough 8-6 decision while the third doubles team of sophomore Allison Miller and freshman Hannah Gingerich had its chances to win, but dropped an 8-4 decision to the Spartans. Goshen’s lone doubles win — senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck at number two — kept the pair undefeated on the season at 8-0.

“Sarah and Angela were up a break at 6-5 but couldn’t finish it off (at number one doubles),” Brenneman said. “(In number three doubles) Allison and Hannah had numerous add points in games they ended up losing. On the brighter side, Hannah and Katie both had solid wins in both doubles and singles play.”

Gingerich defeated Manchester’s Kirby Jasper in number four singles play 6-3, 6-3, while Beck (fifth singles slot) took out Anna Merryman by a 6-2, 6-2 count in teaming up to compose all three of Goshen’s team points on the afternoon.

“In singles, Sarah played a solid second set but was up against a very strong player,” Brenneman said. “Hannah lost her first singles match of the season (at number two singles), also to a tough opponent. Angela got off to a great 5-2 start but was unable to close (at number three singles). Erin played a very nice match at number six but also came up just short. Hopefully we will bounce back strong and put up a good fight against Indiana Wesleyan on Tuesday.”

Goshen (4-1, 4-0) will travel to MCC foe Indiana Wesleyan Tuesday for a 3 p.m. match.
Singles:
1) Kristen Frick (M) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-2, 7-6
2) Elizabeth Weybright (M) def Hannah Gingerich (Go) 6-4, 6-2
3) Angie Wilcox (M) def Angela Newcomer (Go) 7-5, 6-1
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Kirby Jasper (M) 6-3, 6-3
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Anna Merryman (M) 6-2, 6-2
6) Laura Hunter (M) def Erin Gotwals (Go) 4-6, 6-0, 7-5
Doubles:
1) Frick-Weybright (M) def Yoder-Newcomer (Go) 8-6
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Merryman-Wilcox (M) 8-3
3) Hunter-Jasper (M) def H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) 8-4

SEPT. 16 — Balanced Attack Takes Down Cougars
Leafs keep perfect win-loss record in tact with 7-2 win at St. Francis

Freshman Hannah Gingerich

Fort Wayne, IN — It’s been four up and four down for the Leafs in Mid-Central Conference play this season, as the team continued its streak of perfection at St. Francis Tuesday night. Goshen took a 7-2 decision from the host Cougars, despite a less-than 100 percent Sarah Yoder (junior). Yoder was forced to retire from her number one singles match last Thursday against Marian due to a stomach virus, and was still not completely recovered in Tuesday’s match against the Cougars. Yoder dropped her singles match by a 6-4, 6-2 count to St. Francis, and was also part of the number one doubles team (along with sophomore Anglea Newcomer) that dropped an 8-4 decision that gave St. Francis its only two points of the match.

“Sarah put up an excellent fight, but is still trying to get her legs back from a tough illness,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “She will get back to her old self eventually, but overall this was a nice win and I like the direction we are heading.”

Goshen (4-0, 4-0) was led by freshman Hannah Gingerich’s 6-4, 6-2 win at number two singles, defeating Kristen Harrow, St. Francis’ number one singles player last season. The Leafs’ Katie Beck (junior) and Emily Gingerich (senior) also remained a perfect 7-0 on the year at number two doubles, taking down the Cougars’ twosome by a convincing 8-1 score.

“Number one doubles had a tough loss, but we gained valuable insight from that match,” Brenneman said. “Emily, Katie and (freshman) Erin (Gotwals) all looked very sharp tonight.”

Goshen will next travel to Manchester on Thursday for its first out-of-conference match of the season. Match time is slated to begin at 3 p.m.
Singles:
1) Britini Delaney (SF) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-4, 6-2
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Kristen Harrow (SF) 6-4, 6-2
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Leia Prezbindowski (SF) 4-6, 6-0, 6-1
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Megan Chenault (SF) 6-1, 6-0
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Jayme Knafel (SF) 6-2, 6-0
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Jennifer Workman (SF) 6-2, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Delaney-Harrow (SF) def Yoder-Newcomer (Go) 8-4
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Prezbindowski-Chenault (SF) 8-1
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def B. Bayless-J. Johnson (SF) 8-4

SEPT. 11 — Squad Gets Past Marian In Tough Match
Leafs win 6-3 despite Yoder's sickness, full Lady Knight team

Goshen, IN — Playing its second tough, Mid-Central Conference match in three days, the Goshen women’s tennis team was able to come up with a 6-3 win over visiting Marian despite some tough circumstances. For one, the Leafs’ number one singles player — junior Sarah Yoder — was extremely sick, forcing her to retire from her singles match. For another, Marian was playing with its full lineup for the first time this season, after various injuries had kept people out of the mix. Regardless of these factors, head coach Leon Brenneman’s squad was able to grab a huge MCC win and remain undefeated both on the season and in conference play.

“This was not an easy win, by any means,” Brenneman said. “Marian has a very nice team. They looked very sharp having their full team available for competition. With Sarah being extremely sick both before the match and during it, it took a team effort to get this win.”

Yoder retired from her singles match in the first set, but somehow came back to the court for her number one doubles match with sophomore Angela Newcomer. The duo took down Marian’s first unit by a 9-7 count, giving the Leafs (3-0, 3-0) a key point in the match.

“Sarah came back for a very gritty win in doubles with some awesome help from her partner,” Brenneman said.

Aside from Yoder’s retirement at the number one slot, Goshen swept the remaining singles matches. Senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck also remained undefeated at the number two doubles position, defeating the same Marian team that had beaten them last year in both the regular season and the MCC Tournament semi-final. Gingerich and Beck won today’s match by an 8-3 score.

“(Sophomore) Angela Newcomer had a nice win in (number three) singles, while (freshman) Hannah Gingerich continues to post wins at number two and finished strong today,” Brenneman said. “Emily and Katie were also very impressive today. Both had nice singles wins then teamed to win at number two doubles, avenging two very tough losses to the same team last year. In all, it was a good, tough win for us.”

Goshen will take the weekend to prepare for its next match, a road trip to MCC foe St. Francis on Tuesday. Match time is slated for 3 p.m.
Singles:
1) Laura Schindelholz (M) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 4-3, ret.
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Melanie Spellmeyer (M) 7-5, 6-0
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Janelle Koenig (M) 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Jessica Pswarayi (M) 6-3, 6-2
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Brittany Miller (M) 7-5, 2-6, 6-2
6) Maggie King (M) def Erin Gotwals (Go) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Reed-Schindelholz (M) 9-7
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Spellmeyer-Koenig (M) 8-3
3) Pswarayi-Miller (M) def H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) 8-2

SEPT. 9 — Leafs Drop Bethel By 7-2 Count
Brenneman says team struggles, but comes up with second straight MCC win

Freshman Erin Gotwals

Mishawaka, IN — It might not have been a cakewalk, but Goshen stayed undefeated in Mid-Central Conference play with a 7-2 win over rival Bethel on Tuesday afternoon. The Leafs used a sweep in doubles competition and some tough straight set wins in the singles spots to secure its second victory of the season as well as its second in the conference.

“As a team we struggled a bit tonight to find our rhythm in singles,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Bethel fought us tough at every position.”

Goshen (2-0, 2-0) came away with bookend wins in singles play, winning the first and second positions in straight sets while junior Katie Beck and freshman Ericn Gotwals took the fifth and sixth slots, respectively. Gotwals came back from a 6-7 first set defeat to win her match over Bethel’s Brittany Zeider with a 6-2, 6-2 comeback.

“Erin recovered from an emotional first set loss to take her match in three,” Brenneman said. “She showed poise and composure in her win.”

The Leafs again benefited from strong doubles play, where Beck and senior Emily Gingerich just kept their undefeated season alive with a heart-racing 9-8 victory in the second doubles position. The duo is now 5-0 on the year at that spot. At the third doubles position, sophomore Allison Miller and freshman Hannah Gingerich also stayed undefeated, taking their match by an 8-0 sweep.

Goshen will return to MCC play on Thursday, when the team will host Marian. Match time is slated to begin at 3 p.m.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Robin Braun (B) 6-3, 7-5
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Mindy Clark (B) 6-4, 6-4
3) Emily Lamport (B) def Angela Newcomer (Go) 6-3, 6-1
4) Jessica Herbster (B) def Emily Gingerich (Go) 6-2, 7-6
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Amanda Thompson (B) 6-2, 7-6
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Brittany Zeider (B) 6-7, 6-2, 6-2
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Braun-Clarke (B) 8-1
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Lamport-Herbster (B) 9-8
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def J. Houston-K. Conn 8-0

SEPT. 4 — Goshen Blanks Grace 9-0
Leafs open up dual match season with impressive conference win

Goshen, IN — Less than a week after winning the Manchester Doubles Invitational for the second straight season, the Goshen women’s tennis team demolished Mid-Central Conference rival Grace by a 9-0 score on Thursday. The Leafs (1-0, 1-0) took all but two singles matches in straight sets, and blanked the Lancers in both the number two and three doubles slots.

“This was a very nice team effort to start the season,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Congratulations to Grace on a very improved team. We had some excellent matches at several positions tonight, and it was nice to see our freshmen get over the first match jitters and come through with nice wins.”

Freshman Erin Gotwals displayed little fear in her 6-1, 6-0 triumph at number six singles, while classmate Hannah Gingerich had a test in her first collegiate match, dropping the first game of her number two singles match to Grace’s Kim Ellis by a 7-6 decision. Gingerich came back to win the match with a 6-0, 6-4 rally that impressed her coach.

“Hannah had an excellent comeback at number two,” Brenneman said, “and Erin took care of business at number six.”

Goshen’s sweep of the doubles matches were also impressive, as senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck kept their undefeated seasons in tact with wins at both the number two doubles slot — an 8-0 blanking — and the number four and five singles positions, respectively.

“I am very pleased that our doubles teams are willing to use strategy outside their comfort zones,” Brenneman said. “It is really starting to pay off as all three teams looked sharp tonight.”

Goshen will have the weekend off to prepare for Mid-Central Conference rival Bethel on Tuesday. Match time is slated for 1:30 p.m. in Mishawaka.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Anna Metz (Gr) 6-4, 6-2
2) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Kim Ellis (Gr) 6-7, 6-0, 6-4
3) Angela Newcomer (Go) def Sarah Peters (Gr) 4-6, 6-4, 7-6
4) Emily Gingerich (Go) def Kari Hueni (Gr) 6-2, 6-1
5) Katie Beck (Go) def Jodi Stewart (Gr) 6-3, 6-3
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Brianne Beach (Gr) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Newcomer (Go) def Metz-Peters (Gr) 8-3
2) Beck-E. Gingerich (Go) def Amber Needles-Ellis (Gr) 8-0
3) H. Gingerich-Allison Miller (Go) def Hueni-Juli Linton (Gr) 8-0

AUG. 30 — Goshen Wins Doubles Invitational For Second Straight Year
Leafs take first in eight-team tournament behind strong #2 play

Senior Emily Gingerich Junior Katie Beck

North Manchester, IN — Successful in repeating history, the Goshen women’s tennis team opened up the 2003 season by winning the Manchester Doubles Invitational Saturday, making it the second straight year the Leafs captured the tournament championship.

Goshen was led by the number two doubles team of senior Emily Gingerich and junior Katie Beck, as the pair won all three matches on the day — as they did a year ago in leading the team.

“Emily Gingerich and Katie Beck had an excellent day winning all three matches for us,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “For the second year in a row this team was the flight medalist and anchored the victory.”

Brenneman said that his number one doubles team of junior Sarah Yoder and sophomore Angela Newcomer played some very good tennis against excellent competition. The duo was able to defeat number one teams from Huntington and Anderson but lost to the host school in three sets.

On the day, Goshen only lost two matches, with both losses coming in three-set heartbreakers. The Leafs also outplayed two Mid-Central Conference schools, finishing with more points than both Taylor (19) and Grace (6).

Goshen opens its dual match season Thursday when the team will host conference foe Grace College. Match time is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.
Final standings:
Goshen – 21
Manchester – 20
Taylor – 19
Franklin – 19
Huntington – 14
Anderson – 10
Grace – 6
Bluffton – 3
Doubles:
#1 Doubles: Goshen (Yoder-Newcomer) def. Huntington 6-2, 6-4; def. Anderson 6-2, 6-1; lost to Manchester 0-6, 6-4, 10-7
#2 Doubles: Goshen (E. Gingerich-Beck) def. Huntington; def. Taylor 3-6, 6-4, 10-3; def. Manchester 6-2, 6-4
#3 Doubles: Goshen (H. Gingerich-Miller) def. Anderson; lost to: Taylor 1-6, 6-4, 10-7; def. Franklin 8-3