Tennis swept by Bearcats at home

Saturday was a tough day for both Emporia State tennis as both squads found themselves on the wrong end of 7-2 scores.

The Hornets had welcomed the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats to the Emporia High School courts and began playing at 1 p.m.

On the men’s side, senior Julian Rios played a role in both of the Hornet’s points. He won his individual match, and along with junior Kent Gossling, defeated their Bearcat opponents in doubles play.

The Bearcats are currently ranked 26th in Division II, and with their victories on Saturday are expected to move into the top 25.

The women’s squad was defeated by a nationally ranked individual backed by a strong team effort by the Bearcats.

NWMSU’s 9th ranked leader, Kristina Vucenov, took the sails out of the Hornet’s top player, senior Marcela Bayon by defeating her in straight sets. ESU senior Natalie Villaflor was the only Hornet individual to win a match, and along with Bayon won their doubles match.

Next up for the Hornets is an exhibition match against Cowley County Community College on Wednesday. The matches are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in Emporia. Following the exhibition matches, the Hornets will play Ft. Hays State before traveling to Topeka for the MIAA conference tournament on April 26-27.