Rocky Mount, N.C. - The 24th-ranked N.C. Wesleyan men's tennis team topped Division II and previously undefeated Mercyhurst University by a 7-2 score on Wednesday afternoon to cap the Battling Bishops' midweek athletics action. Below is a recap of this week's results.
MEN'S TENNIS
Playing their first home match of the season at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center, the Battling Bishops cruised to a 7-2 win over the Lakers (6-1). Head Coach Albie Brice mixed up his doubles line-up with much success as Ioannis Brokakis/Roberto Puig teamed for an 8-7 win at #1, Aditya Iyer/J.D. Telles paired for an 8-6 victory at #2, and Sebastian Sikh/David Chang completed the sweep with an 8-5 decision at #3. Sikh, Telles, Puig, and Chang proceeded to notch straight-set wins at #1, #4, #5, and #6 singles, respectively, to help NCWC move to 4-3 on the season.
WOMEN'S TENNIS
Also debuting at home, NCWC's women's tennis team took on 25th-ranked Mercyhurst. The Lakers (9-0) stayed perfect on the season with the sweep, beginning with a trio of 8-3 wins in doubles action. Wesleyan's line-up of Florencia Sorrentino, Giulia Zanetti, Nicole Halabi, Stephany Barbera, Louise Hovhammer, and Ana Diaz held their own versus their D-II opponents, falling in straights but combining to win 28 games in singles play. The Bishops are 1-2 on the season heading into next Wednesday's USA South opener versus Meredith College.
BASEBALL
The Battling Bishop baseball team suffered a 3-game sweep at the hands of Wittenberg University at Scalf Field. The series opened on Monday with the Tigers snagging a 9-1 win, while Wednesday's doubleheader saw Witt earn 11-5 and 10-7 victories. Junior Nate Gardner helped NCWC forge a 4-1 lead in Wednesday's first game, but the Tigers rallied to tie the score, eventually using a 5-run fifth inning to erase a 4-4 tie and pull away. The nightcap mirrored the opener as Wesleyan jumped out to a 7-3 lead after three complete, but Witt plated seven runs over their last four at-bats to sweep the series. Logan Andrews and Brandon Wheat drove in two runs apiece for the Bishops (8-10).
LACROSSE
The week had previously kicked off with Monday's lacrosse match versus Hiram College at Scalf Field where the Terriers (3-1) managed a 21-6 victory. Freshman Alexandra Cucinotta continued to anchor the Bishop attack with three goals and seven draw controls on the day. NCWC's Samantha Valeros, Ashlee Johnson, and Deja Hartman also notched scores, while Johnson played the second half in goal and made seven saves on ten shots.
Be sure to check www.ncwcsports.com for the latest news, scores, and stats! Go Bishops!