Warriors Defeat Doane; Set Up Showdown for GPAC Title

FREMONT, Neb. – In a fierce Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) dual, Midland University clashed with rival Doane University on Saturday at the Fremont High Tennis Courts. The Warriors emerged victorious with a commanding 5-2 triumph as they honored their senior class afterward.

The Warriors asserted their dominance early in doubles competition, securing wins across all three matches against the Tigers. At the top seed, the duo of Ari Lumanog and Elaina Fanton showcased teamwork, dispatching Maria Purizaca Soto and Grace Schroller with a decisive 6-2 victory. Kissmel Cedano Lapaix and Grace Felder added to their team-leading doubles win total at the No. 2 spot, overpowering Cierra Schwarzkopf and Kat Johnson with a commanding 6-1 triumph, their 12th win as a tandem this season. Meanwhile, Macee Thompson and Jeena Carle exhibited their skill at the No. 3 position, mirroring the 6-1 scoreline to clinch the doubles sweep over Isabella Castillero and Emily Guiton.

Though the Tigers managed to secure wins in two singles matches, the Warriors' resilience shone through as they clinched key victories to seal the team win. Lumanog set the tone at the No. 2 spot with a convincing straight-set win over Schroller (6-1, 6-0). Graziela Dallagnol continued Midland's momentum at No. 3, coming on for the victory over Schwarzkopf (6-0, 6-1). Fanton extended the Warriors' lead at No. 4, dispatching Castillero (6-0, 6-3). Felder delivered the final blow for Midland at No. 5, displaying absolute dominance with a flawless win over Guiton (6-0, 6-0).

Midland (12-5, 6-0 GPAC) will wrap up its regular season on the road next week with an important dual at Morningside (15-3, 6-0 GPAC). The teams, who have already locked up byes into the conference semifinals in next weekend's GPAC Tournament, will decide the regular-season title and the No. 1 seed on Monday, April 22 in Sioux City. First serve is set for 3:00 p.m. at the Mason Family Tennis Complex.