Storm close fall campaign against Loras

URBANDALE, Iowa -- The Simpson women's tennis team was searching for its first win over Loras since Sept. 12, 2015 on Thursday, but came up short in a 5-4 match.

As the match moved indoors to Life Time Fitness in Urbandale due to the weather, the Storm (7-4, 5-3 A-R-C) won three singles matches, but the Duhawks (3-1, 3-1 A-R-C) claimed two doubles contests to clinch the American Rivers Conference bout.

Loras won the No. 3 doubles match before Anna Wanek and Emily King were victors at No. 1 doubles to knot the contest at 1-1. The Simpson duo now has eight wins together this season for the most on the team in doubles play.

The Duhawks jumped out to a 4-1 tilt after two singles matches before Wanek won her contest at No. 1 singles to move to 14-0. The three-time A-R-C Athlete of the Week cruised to the victory by winning 6-1, 6-2. King had to play three sets at No. 2 singles, but prevailed, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Megan Grubb won by default at No. 3 singles to round out individual wins for the squad.

The Storm ended the fall portion of their schedule with four student-athletes that have at least seven victories this season: Wanek (14), Grubb (10), King (10) and Donni Kinghorn (7). Kennedi Wright was right behind this quartet with five triumphs.

Simpson will return to the courts this spring.

Singles competition
1. Anna Wanek (SIM) def. Audrey Hinz, 6-1, 6-2
2. Emily King (SIM) def. Isabel Schwabe, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
3. Megan Grubb (SIM) def. Mariana Bayona-Paez, by default
4. Lauren Diiulio (LOR) def. Kennedi Wright, 6-0, 6-3
5. Clair Moore (LOR) def. Donni Kinghorn, 6-3, 6-3
6. Sara Backus (LOR) def. Aubrey Ocheltree, 6-0, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Anna Wanek/Emily King (SIM) def. Audrey Hinz/Maddie Smith, 8-3
2. Sara Backus/Lauren Diiulio (LOR) def. Megan Grubb/Kennedi Wright, 8-3
3. Clair Moore/Isabel Schwabe (LOR) def. Donni Kinghorn/Aubrey Ocheltree, 8-0

Order of finish: Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (6,5,1,4,2,3)