OCT. 7-9 — Leafs Take "Appropriate" Third At MCCs
Team finishes in same position as regular season at MCC Tournament

Fort Wayne, IN — After the Mid-Central Conference regular season concluded with Goshen finishing just ahead of Bethel College and behind both Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University, Leafs head coach Leon Brenneman knew that his team would have to play extremely well for that to change in the MCC Tournament.

And, despite some quality efforts from his team, nothing unexpected really happened at the MCC Tournament in Fort Wayne, as Goshen finished with a third-place finish.

“I am very proud of our ladies effort,” Brenneman said following the weekend. “We got off to a great start on Thursday scoring eight out of a possible nine points, and had some real chances for some upsets on Friday. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make any of those happen.”

Goshen’s only loss in first round action came at number six singles, where sophomore Erin Gotwals lost a bizarre 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 match to Bethel. Strange rulings during the match frustrated Gotwals and helped to take away her strengths, saddening her head coach.

“Erin fell at number six in a match that was filled with some very unusual rulings allowing her opponent continuous breaks throughout the match,” Brenneman said. “Erin handled the situation with a tremendous amount of class, however.”

Friday was filled with near misses for the Leafs, as inspired tennis could not equal a win at any position. Senior Katie Beck played “her best tennis of the year,” according to Brenneman, and had Indiana Wesleyan down 4-3 in the first set before losing 6-4, 6-2. Sophomore Hannah Gingerich actually had match point against her higher-seeded Taylor opponent, but couldn’t collect the finisher and dropped a heartbreaking 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 decision. Senior Sarah Yoder and freshman Diana Diaz teamed up to make the finals in number one doubles competition, losing to Indiana Wesleyan by a 6-3, 6-2 count. The duo was named to first team All-MCC honors in part as a result of their collective play.

“Sarah and Diana had a great tournament, making the final of the number one doubles position and playing in the final match of the tournament,” Brenneman said. “Even though we lost 6-3, 6-2 to a very talented IW team, the match was full of great tennis.”

With the third place team result, the Leafs will advance to spring NAIA Regional competition for the fourth year in a row. Details and schedule of the regional competition will be posted on this site as the event date nears.

“Congratulations to Indiana Wesleyan,” Brenneman said. “They have a very strong team throughout their lineup and came up one point short of a complete sweep this weekend. Our ladies should be proud of their efforts and results, though. Making the spring regionals for the third year in a row should give them a strong sense of satisfaction. I couldn’t be happier with this group of young ladies.”
Final Results:
Indiana Wesleyan – 26
Taylor – 14
Goshen – 9
Bethel - 6
Marian – 3
St. Francis – 2
Huntington – 2
Grace – 1
Spring Arbor - 0
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Counts (H) 6-1, 6-3
Lost to Shuck (IW) 6-1, 6-2
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Plett (H) 6-0, 6-2
Lost to May (T) 7-5, 6-2
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Eckert (SF) 6-1, 6-1
Lost to Davis (T) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Houston (B) 6-2, 6-0
Lost to Hedgebeth (IW) 6-4, 6-2
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Lauer (H) 6-1, 6-3
Lost to Gehrke (IW) 6-1, 6-0
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) Lost to Kuehn (B) 7-5, 1-6, 6-3
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Braun-Katterheinrich (B) 6-2, 6-0
def Metz-Peters (Gr) 6-2, 6-4
Lost to Carrel-Shuck (IW) 6-3, 6-2
2) Beck- Gingerich (Go) def Vermillion-Kuehn (B) 4-6, 7-6, 6-3
Lost to Davis-Pence (T) 6-1, 6-2
3) L. Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Kegley-King (M) 7-5, 3-6, 7-5
Lost to Gehrke-Raymond (IW) 6-0, 6-0

OCT. 5 — Goshen Heads Into Postseason With Momentum
Leafs take apart Anderson 7-2 to head into MCC Tournament

Hard fight: Senior Sarah Yoder returns a shot against Anderson’s Brittney Zurcher Tuesday afternoon.

Never handcuffed: Senior Katie Beck blasts a return in her 6-0, 6-2 win at number four singles Tuesday.

Goshen, IN — The collective momentum that the Goshen College women’s tennis team has been gathering over the past few weeks didn’t suffer a letdown Tuesday afternoon, as the Leafs handily defeated visiting Anderson University by a 7-2 count at the Goshen College Tennis Complex. With the win over the Ravens, Goshen (8-2, 6-2) will ride a four-match winning streak into the Mid-Central Conference Tournament this Thursday.

“We had a good win tonight to close out the regular season with some nice momentum,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “We’ve got one more practice and we are looking forward to a strong performance in the MCC Tournament.”

Brenneman’s squad took all but two singles matches in straight sets, as freshman Diana Diaz came back from a 4-6 loss in the first set at number two to cruise past Anderson’s Gina Tamburro 6-3, 6-0 in the following two sets. Senior Sarah Yoder was the only Leaf singles player to drop a match — falling 4-6, 4-6 to Anderson’s Brittney Zurcher, a familiar foe after four years in the Goshen program.

“Sarah and Brittney have had some classic battles over the last three years and tonight was no exception,” Brenneman said. “Despite the loss I was very proud of Sarah’s effort. She showed some real class and her typical never-say-die attitude.”

Goshen’s only other loss came at the number two doubles slot, where senior Katie Beck and sophomore Hannah Gingerich dropped a tough 9-7 decision to their Anderson counterpart. The Leafs’ number one and number two doubles teams allowed two combined Ravens points in their dominating wins.

Goshen will travel to Fort Wayne Concordia High School on Thursday to begin MCC Tournament competition. Matches begin at 1 p.m.
Singles:
1) Brittney Zurcher (A) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-4, 6-4
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Gina Tamburro (A) 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Michelle Deal (A) 6-0, 6-0
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Paige Bolhuis (A) 6-0, 6-2
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Amanda Bolhuis (A) 6-1, 6-1
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Angie Heyne (A) 6-0, 6-2
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Zurcher-Tamburro (A) 8-1
2) P. Bolhuis-Deal (A) def Beck-Gingerich (Go) 9-7
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Ervin-Cowden (A) 8-1

OCT. 4 — Leafs Trample Spring Arbor, 9-0
First-year MCC opponent gives Goshen little resistance in blanking

Senior Sarah Yoder Freshman Diana Diaz

Spring Arbor, MI — The Spring Arbor University women’s tennis team got a harsh taste of exactly how good Mid-Central Conference competition is on Saturday, as the Cougars dropped a 9-0 decision to Goshen College. Competing in the MCC for the first time this season, the Cougars were helpless as the Leafs (7-2, 6-2) took all singles matches in straight sets while only allowing Spring Arbor a total of six games in the three doubles competitions.

Highlighting the match for Goshen were senior Sarah Yoder and freshman Diana Diaz, as the duo took the number one and two singles slots by 6-0, 6-1 counts, respectively.

“Tonight was a nice solid win to close conference play,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Spring Arbor is having a bit of an adjustment year fitting into a new conference, but they have some nice young players that will improve rapidly. I asked the team to take care of business right away tonight, and they responded very well. No match was in question from the beginning in either singles or doubles. Hopefully we can carry this momentum into tomorrow’s match with Anderson, then the district tournament on Thursday.”

Goshen will close out regular season play with the Ravens at the Goshen College Tennis Complex Tuesday. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def Kristin Perry (SA) 6-0, 6-1
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Rachel Hartwig (SA) 6-0, 6-1
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Beth Wall (SA) 6-3, 6-0
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Christi Liveredge (SA) 6-2, 6-2
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Jen Walter (SA) 6-1, 6-1
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Shelby Bosko (SA) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Perry-Liveredge (SA) 8-2
2) Beck-Gingerich (Go) def Bosko-Hartwig (SA) 8-2
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Wall-Walter (SA) 8-2

SEPT. 30 — Goshen Takes Care Of Grace, 8-1
Squad looks to fine tune aspects of game as MCC Tournament approaches

Goshen, IN — After rain postponed Tuesday’s match with Mid-Central Conference rival Grace College to Thursday afternoon, sunny skies and warm temperatures set the stage for an 8-1 win by the Leafs at the Goshen College Tennis Complex. Goshen used strong singles play to push its record to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the MCC, as Grace was only able to take an 8-6 decision at the number one doubles slot for its lone point of the afternoon.

“Grace College has made some very nice improvements in the last few years,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Overall, this was a very nice match. (Senior) Sarah Yoder, (freshman) Diana Diaz, (sophomore) Hannah Gingerich, (freshman) Liz Goering and (sophomore) Erin Gotwals all had convincing singles wins. (Senior) Katie Beck fought off a nice player at number four for a great comeback win. Unfortunately we came out a bit sluggish in doubles and let one get away at number one. We have a bit of fine-tuning to do before MCC tournament, but this was a solid conference win.”

Beck’s triumph at the number four singles position was the highlight of the day for the Leafs, as Beck responded after a tough 6-7 loss in the first set for a convincing 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 win. The Leafs recorded straight set wins in the remaining singles matches, with Gotwals blanking Grace’s Juli Hueni in the number six position.

Goshen will face MCC newcomer Spring Arbor University on Saturday. Match time is set for 12 p.m. at Spring Arbor.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def Anna Metz (Gr) 6-4, 6-1
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Sarah Peters (Gr) 6-0, 6-2
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Juli Linton (Gr) 6-1, 6-2
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Kari Hueni (Gr) 6-7, 6-2, 6-1
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Brianne Beach (Gr) 6-1, 6-0
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Juli Hueni (Gr) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Metz-Peters (Gr) def Yoder-Diaz (Go) 8-6
2) Beck-Gingerich (Go) def Linton- K. Hueni (Gr) 8-5
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Beach-Amber Needles (Gr) 8-3

SEPT. 23 — Spartan's Undefeated Season Ends With Leafs
Goshen drops Manchester by 6-3 count in rebound win

Too much: Sophomore Hannah Gingerich proved too big of a challenge at number three singles Thursday, winning by a 6-2, 6-2 count.

Concentration: Freshman Liz Goering returns a volley during doubles play Thursday night against Manchester.

Goshen, IN — Facing an undefeated team just two days after dropping only its second match of the season, the Goshen College women’s tennis team responded in tremendous fashion, handing Manchester College its first loss by a 6-3 score Thursday afternoon at the Goshen College Tennis Complex. The Leafs used strong doubles play and some nifty work in the middle portion of their singles positions to drop the Spartans, a feat that impressed head coach Leon Brenneman.

“Tonight was a very solid team effort,” Brenneman said. “Manchester has a talented team, and it was great to defend our home courts and get a very solid win.”

Goshen (5-2, 4-2) took both the number two and three doubles slots in style, with junior Allison Miller and freshman Liz Goering leading the way with an 8-1 drubbing at the number three spot. Goshen also collected wins at the second, third and fourth singles positions, while sophomore Erin Gotwals added the insurance point at number six with a hard fought, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Manchester’s Katie Shrek.

“(Freshman) Diana Diaz demonstrated some true grit tonight defeating a very pesky senior that we have struggled with in the past,” Brenneman said. “(Sophomore) Hannah Gingerich, (junior) Katie Beck and Erin Gotwals also notched very impressive wins. All three doubles teams looked sharp tonight. The loss at number one was a tough come from behind match that actually showed signs of some positive trends for us. We hope to use this momentum to finish strong in conference play next week.”

Goshen will return to action on Tuesday, when the team hosts Mid-Central Conference rival Grace College. Match time is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m.
Singles:
1) Kristen Frick (M) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-4, 6-1
2) Diana Diaz (G) def Elizabeth Weybright (M) 7-6, 6-7, 7-5
3) Hannah Gingerich (G) def Laura Hunter (M) 6-2, 6-2
4) Katie Beck (G) def Angie Wolcox (M) 7-6, 6-2
5) Sarah Cornwell (M) def Liz Goering (G) 6-2, 6-1
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Katie Shrek (M) 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
Doubles:
1) Frick-Weybright (M) def Yoder-Diaz (Go) 9-7
2) Beck-Gingerich (Go) def Hunter-Wilcox (M) 8-6
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Harness-Coffee (M) 8-1

SEPT. 21 — Leafs Drop Painful Loss To Taylor
Goshen loses to Trojans for first time in three years, 3-6

Freshman Diana Diaz Sophomore Erin Gotwals

Upland, IN — After three straight seasons of winning Mid-Central Conference matches against Taylor University, the Goshen College women’s tennis team had that streak snapped in a 3-6 loss to the Trojans Tuesday afternoon in Upland, Indiana. Goshen (4-2, 4-2) was ousted at four of the six singles positions and could only record one point in doubles play — an 8-6 win at number one by senior Sarah Yoder and freshman Diana Diaz — in what head coach Leon Brenneman called painful.

“Simply no denying that this was a painful loss,” Brenneman said. “I give Taylor a lot of credit for putting together a very nice team effort. They have a solid and deep line-up. Overall I would have to say we were a bit flat today. Sarah fought her heart out, but is struggling a bit physically. Diana had a very nice win at number two singles, and (sophomore) Erin Gotwals looked incredible at number six singles. It was also nice to see number one doubles hang in the match enough to be in a position to win, and come up with some key points to close it out. Hopefully we learned some valuable insight with this loss that we can use as we close in toward the MCC Tournament.”

Diaz recorded a 6-1, 6-3 win over Taylor’s Holly May at number two singles, while Gotwals closed out the Trojans’ Lindsey Davis by a 6-0, 6-1 count at number six. All other Leaf singles matches were decided in straight sets.

Goshen will have little time to regroup, as Manchester College will visit the Goshen College Tennis Complex this Thursday. Match time is slated for 4 p.m.
Singles:
1) Katie Clark (T) def Sarah Yoder (G) 6-2, 6-2
2) Diana Diaz (G) def Holly May (T) 6-1, 6-3
3) Leslie Davis (T) def Hannah Gingerich (G) 6-2, 6-1
4) Kelly Pence (T) def Katie Beck (G) 6-1, 6-2
5) Kristine Bolinger (T) def Liz Goering (G) 6-2, 6-1
6) Erin Gotwals (G) def Lindsey Davis (T) 6-0, 6-1
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (G) def Clark-May (T) 8-6
2) Le Davis-Pence (T) def Beck-Gingerich (G) 8-4
3) Lin Davis-Hoyt (T) def Goering-Allison Miller (G) 8-3

SEPT. 14 — Team Keeps String Rolling At Huntington
Goshen takes 9-0 win while dropping only a set to Foresters

Sophomore JD Windhorst Freshman Diana Diaz

Huntington, IN — With its third straight win and first sweep of the season Tuesday at Huntington College, it’s safe to say the Goshen College women’s team is on a bit of a roll as the season progresses. The Leafs dropped only a single set to the Foresters Tuesday afternoon — freshman Liz Goering came back to win the number five singles match 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 — and played good tennis all the way around according to head coach Leon Brenneman.

“Despite some windy conditions and a dropped set, we played some pretty solid tennis tonight,” Brenneman said. “(Senior) Sarah Yoder continues to roll along with nice wins at number one singles and number one doubles. (Freshman) Diana Diaz is healthy again and looking stronger every match. Liz struggled a bit tonight, dropping the first set, but came back very strong in the second and third. (Sophomore) Erin Gotwals continues to impress with an easy win at number six. We had solid wins at all three doubles positions tonight, and (junior) Allison Miller and Liz had their best match of the season at number three. Our fitness is a real strength for us right now, and we hope to be peaking at the right time as we have some huge matches coming up.”

Goshen will next face off against perennial power Taylor University on Tuesday. Match time is slated for 4 p.m. in Upland, Indiana.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def Ashley Counts (H) 6-1, 6-0
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Stacy Plett (H) 6-1, 6-1
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Kyleigh Gast (H) 6-3, 6-1
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Jessica Deter (H) 7-6, 6-1
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Dawn Lauer (H) 3-6, 6-1, 6-1
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Rachael Boersma (H) 6-2, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Plett – Gast (H) 8-4
2) Beck-Gingerich (Go) def Counts – Deter (H) 8-5
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Lauer – Boersma (H) 8-2

SEPT. 11 — Goshen Puts Away St. Francis, 8-1
Brenneman says practice pays off in morning match at home

Goshen, IN — Momentum is clearly building in the Goshen College women’s tennis campaign, as Saturday the Leafs recorded their second straight 8-1 Mid-Central Conference win, the latest over the University of St. Francis.

Goshen (3-1, 3-1) used dominant singles play and new wrinkles to its doubles teams to easily disperse of the visiting Cougars, with senior Sarah Yoder taking the lone loss at number one singles to St. Francis’ Britni Delaney, a finalist at last season’s MCC championships. Goshen was led by freshman Diana Diaz, who’s 28-minute 6-0, 6-0 blanking of Krista Van Lue marked the quickest match in school history at that slot. The Leafs won all other singles matches in straight sets, and got a lopsided victory at number three doubles as well — junior Allison Miller and freshman Liz Goering finished the Cougar duo by an 8-1 count.

“We had a good strong week of practice, and it showed today,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “The ladies came out strong and focused. We knew Sarah would have a tough match against last year’s MCC finalist Delaney, but she battled her well. Every other position looked strong. We were able to put a few new twists in our doubles for the first time, and that seems to be working nicely. Hopefully we can continue to build momentum as we get into the core of our schedule.”

Goshen will continue its non-stop MCC odyssey on Tuesday, when the team travels to Huntington. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m.
Singles:
1) Britni Delaney (SF) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 6-2, 6-3
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Krista Van Lue (SF) 6-0, 6-0
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Sara Eckert (SF) 6-3, 6-0
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Leia Prezindowski (SF) 6-0, 6-2
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Dana Driscoll (SF) 6-2, 6-3
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Jennifer Johnson (SF) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Delaney-Van Lue (SF) 8-3
2) Beck-Gingerich (Go) def Eckert-Prezbindowski (SF) 8-4
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def Johnson-Megan Chenault 8-1

SEPT. 7 — Leafs Get Back To Familiar Winning Ways
Squad bounces back with 8-1 win over Marian after IWU loss

Freshman Liz Goering

Indianapolis, IN — No one expected Saturday’s 9-0 loss to Indiana Wesleyan University to adversely affect the Goshen College women’s tennis team, and on Tuesday the squad proved it didn’t. The Leafs made the long trip to Indianapolis to face off against Marian College and came away with a convincing 8-1 win, greatly pleasing head coach Leon Brenneman.

“It was very nice to bounce back to the winning side,” Brenneman said. “We got off to a bit of a sluggish start, but the team pulled together and finished strong.”

Goshen (2-1, 2-1) dropped just a doubles match in both doubles and singles play, as Marian was able to defeat senior Katie Beck and sophomore Hannah Gingerich at number two doubles. That loss came in an 8-4 score, while Goshen was able to take care of the Knights with relative ease in all other slots.

Freshman Liz Goering was able to secure her first win of the season at number five singles, defeating Marian’s Lora Douglas 6-1, 6-3.

“(Senior) Sarah Yoder continues to anchor the team at number one and showed excellent leadership with strong singles and doubles wins,” Brenneman said. “(Freshman) Diana Diaz and (sophomore) Erin Gotwals were on cruise control and are looking very strong. Katie fought off a very consistent player for a nice win at number four singles, and Hannah recovered from a slow start for a very nice comeback effort. It was great to see Liz get her first singles win at number five. We still have some work to do in doubles, but it is starting to come together. It is great to have this long road trip behind us and we are looking forward to a home match Saturday.”

Goshen will next face off against Mid-Central Conference rival University of St. Francis on Saturday. Match time is set for 10 a.m.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Janelle Keonig (M) 6-2, 6-1
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Katrina Kroics (M) 6-1, 6-0
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Loye Kegley (M) 3-6, 6-3, 10-5
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Maggie King (M) 6-3, 6-4
5) Liz Goering (Go) def Lora Douglas (M) 6-1, 6-3
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Jenna Harris (M) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Koenig-Kroics (M) 8-4
2) Kegley-Pswarayi (M) def Beck-Gingerich (Go) 8-4
3) Goering-Allison Miller (Go) def King-Douglas (M) 8-4

SEPT. 4 — Squad Can't Keep Pace With Indiana Wesleyan
Perennial powerhouse Wildcats take all matches from Leafs in 9-0 win

Goshen, IN — Just two days after shelling arch rival and Mid-Central Conference power Bethel College, the Goshen College women’s tennis team was brought back to reality by league-leading Indiana Wesleyan University, as the Wildcats took down Goshen by a 9-0 score Saturday at the Goshen College Tennis Complex.

Wesleyan showed strength at every position, winning all singles matches in straight sets while taking three of the 12 sets by 6-0 counts. The Leafs (1-1, 1-1) most competitive singles matches came at the number one and number six slots, where senior Sarah Yoder and sophomore Erin Gotwals each forced their Wesleayn counterpart into a tie-breaker. A win in either set may have changed at least the outcome of those two positions, but Goshen head coach Leon Brenneman knew the team he was facing well.

“There is simply no denying that Wesleyan has a very strong team with plenty of depth,” Brenneman said. “I am really not disappointed with our effort today. This was a good test to let our players know where they need to be to compete at the top of the conference. We certainly haven’t peaked with our tennis skills yet, but I do like what I see with our attitude and effort.”

Goshen’s best chance to pick up points came in the doubles round, where the Leafs number one and number two doubles teams came within just two games of pulling out a win. Yoder, senior Katie Beck, sophomore Hannah Gingerich and freshman Diana Diaz all were part of teams that nearly squeaked out wins. Again, however, Wesleyan was able to hold on.

“We had exceptional effort from Sarah at number one and Erin at number six (singles),” Brenneman said. “Both had excellent chances to win the opening set. We also had winning potential at both number one and number two doubles. We will build on what we learned today."

Goshen will next make the trip to Indianapolis to face MCC foe Marian College. Match time is set for Thursday at 1 p.m.
Singles:
1) Kristi Shuck (IW) def Sarah Yoder (Go) 7-6, 6-3
2) Erin Carrel (IW) def Diana Diaz (Go) 6-3, 6-0
3) Sarah Bauss (IW) def Hannah Gingerich (Go) 6-0, 6-2
4) Diana Hedgebeth (IW) def Katie Beck (Go) 6-3, 6-0
5) Shannon Gehrke (IW) def Liz Goering (Go) 6-0, 6-3
6) Brittany Raymond (IW) def Erin Gotwals (Go) 7-5, 6-2
Doubles:
1) Shuck - Carrel (IW) def Yoder-Diaz (Go) 8-6
2) Bauss- Kristi Haddad (IW) def Beck- Gingerich (Go) 8-6
3) Gehrke-Raymond (IW) def Goering-Allison Miller (Go) 8-5

SEPT. 2 — Goshen Dominates Bethel In Season Opener
Leafs open regular, home seasons with big 7-2 win over neighboring rival

Goshen, IN — It’s one thing to open a regular season on your home court with two freshmen playing key roles in your program. It’s quite another to do so facing Mid-Central Conference rival Bethel College.

That was exactly the case for the Goshen College women’s team on Thursday, and the Leafs showed toughness: Goshen won the match by a 7-2 score, out-dueling the Pilots in what has been the fight for second place in the MCC over the past three years.

“Overall I am quite proud of this effort,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “You never really know how a team will respond to the season opener, but it was obvious that we were ready to play. We got off to excellent starts in every position. Unfortunately we ran into a few first-year jitters, but I also saw some great aggressive play from our young players. This team has been working very hard and it showed tonight.”

Goshen (1-0, 1-0) was able to win in straight sets at all singles position save for number five, with the most dominant performances coming from senior Sarah Yoder at number one singles (a 6-0, 6-1 winner) and classmate Katie Beck at number four singles (a 6-0, 6-4 winner). Freshman Diana Diaz picked up a big point at number two singles, and everything fell in line from there: Bethel was able to pick up their only other point at the number three doubles position, as the Pilots’ 8-5 score was the same tally as their defeats in number one and number two doubles play.

“Sarah looked very strong and anchored us at number one singles, and Diana fought off a feisty player for a solid win at number two,” Brenneman said. “(Sophomore) Hannah Gingerich and Katie were steady as usual. (Sophomore) Erin (Gotwals) pulled through at number six singles for a critical point. Our doubles play is rapidly improving. The best thing this team has going for it is a great work ethic and spirit.”

Goshen’s schedule gets absolutely no easier, though, as defending MCC Champion Indiana Wesleyan will visit the Goshen College Tennis Complex on Saturday. Match time is set for 10 a.m.
Singles:
1) Sarah Yoder (Go) def. Robin Braun (B) 6-0, 6-1
2) Diana Diaz (Go) def Emily Lamport (B) 7-5, 6-1
3) Hannah Gingerich (Go) def Jessica Herbstra (B) 6-1, 6-4
4) Katie Beck (Go) def Brittany Zeider (B) 6-0, 6-4
5) Missy Vermillion (B) def Liz Goering (Go) 6-4, 6-3
6) Erin Gotwals (Go) def Julianne Houston (B) 6-4, 7-6
Doubles:
1) Yoder-Diaz (Go) def Braun-Erin Katterheinvich (B) 8-5
2) Beck- Gingerich (Go) def Vermillion-Julia Vaughn (B) 8-5
3) Lampert-Herbstra (B) def Goering-Allison Miller(Go) 8-5

AUG. 31 — Leafs Open Year With Doubles Invite Win
Goshen makes it three in a row with latest doubles championship

Senior Katie Beck Sophomore Hannah Gingerich

Goshen, IN — In each of the past two seasons, the Goshen College women’s tennis team has taken home the Manchester College Doubles Invitational title. Attempting to maintain a trend, Goshen hosted its own doubles tournament on Saturday, and won that too.

The Leafs gathered 11 team points to win the four-team invite, knocking out Mid-Central Conference foes Taylor University (10 points), Grace College (five points) and Huntington College (four points) en route to the win. Goshen’s number two doubles team of senior Katie Beck and sophomore Hannah Gingerich led the charge, winning both their first round and championship matches in straight sets. Goshen’s only loss of the day came in the championship round at number one doubles, when senior Sarah Yoder and freshman Diana Diaz lost to Taylor by a 6-4, 6-4 count. The Leafs got the eventual event-winning point at number three doubles, where sophomore Erin Gotwals and freshman Liz Goering rallied from back from a 0-6 second set thumping to eventually win 7-5, 0-6, 7-6 in heart pounding fashion.

“To be quite honest, we were very lucky to win today,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “I give a lot of credit to my players for not giving up and scrapping out some incredible come-back wins. We had some serious holes to fill from last year’s lineup, and this was a great way to get over some first match jitters with three completely new doubles teams. We have a long way to go, but the ladies have been working very hard and it is great to see that effort rewarded.”

Even with its third pre-season doubles title secured, Brenneman said that neither he nor his players are overconfident, especially with a doozy of a regular-season opener on the horizon: Goshen will host Mid-Central Conference foe Bethel College Thursday to begin dual match play. Match time is set for 3 p.m.
Final Results:
Goshen – 11
Taylor – 10
Grace – 5
Huntington – 4
Round One Results:
Goshen #1 (Sarah Yoder / Diana Diaz) def. Huntington #1 6-0, 6-2
Taylor #1 def. Grace #1 6-0, 6-2
Goshen #2 (Katie Beck / Hannah Gingerich) def. Grace #2 6-4, 6-1
Taylor #2 def. Huntington #2 6-1, 6-2
Goshen #3 (Erin Gotwals / Liz Goering) def. Huntington 6-1, 6-3
Taylor #3 def. Grace #3 6-1, 6-2
Finals:
Taylor #1 def. Goshen #1 6-4, 6-4
Goshen #2 def. Taylor #2 7-6, 6-4
Goshen #3 def. Taylor #3 7-5, 0-6, 7-6
Consolation:
Grace #1 def. Huntington #1 6-2, 6-0
Huntington #2 def. Grace #2 6-1, 6-2
Grace #3 def. Huntington #3 6-1, 1-6, 6-2