By Meridyth Sanders ‘21, staff writer

LVC men’s and women’s tennis played out a dual match at Susquehanna University on Saturday, Sept. 22, while celebrating 25 years of friendship between the two universities.

Prior to the start of the match, Bob Jordan, head coach of the men’s tennis team at Susquehanna University, announced that this year marks 25 years of friendship between LVC and Susquehanna. In celebration, snacks, energy drinks and homemade dishes were provided for both teams at a table adjacent to the tennis courts.

“We’re slowly adjusting to the new lineup, but, we’re improving with every match and staying determined, so I am confident that we’ll begin to win more and more,” Elizabeth Drda, senior number five singles player and number three doubles player, said after the tough loss suffered by the women’s tennis team.

LVC women’s tennis earned one point at number one doubles while Susquehanna won at number two and three doubles, despite the hard efforts put forth by Drda and Leah Wingert, sophomore number three doubles player, in their narrowly lost doubles match.

LVC men’s tennis lost all three doubles points, putting them behind in the match 0-3.

In singles, women’s tennis scored 2 additional points at number four and number six, ending the match with a 3-6 spread. Men’s tennis won points at two, three, and five singles, finishing the match at 3-6 as well.

Despite the losses, both men’s and women’s tennis teams remain optimistic for the coming season in spring.

“Tennis is a different kind of team sport because most of us go out by ourselves in singles or play with one other person in doubles,” Drda said. “So it isn’t the same teamwork you would get in other sports. But what makes our team special is that we do care about each other. While we’re not all playing at the same time, everyone still shows their support by cheering on and off the court for each other.”

Men’s and women’s tennis teams will end their fall season with a MAC All-Conference tournament in mid-October and resume their regular season this coming spring semester.