News

SPRINGFIELD — Wilmington College opened its fall season with a tri-match at Wittenberg University on Saturday. The Quakers dropped a 6-3 decision to NAIA Ohio Dominican in the opener and were edged, 5-4, by the host Tigers in a marathon nightcap match.

"I saw a lot of good things today," Wilmington head coach Jessie Loeffelholz said. "We also saw things that we can still improve on. I am very pleased with how we played and how we battled."

Stephanie Amrhein (Brookville, Ind./Franklin County) was involved in four wins. The freshman posted wins at No. 4 singles over Ohio Dominican's Mari Monaco (6-0, 7-5) and Wittenberg's Alexandra Cummins (7-5, 3-6, 10-2). Amrhein also teamed with freshman Macey Abrams (Reynoldsburg) to pick up a pair of victories at No. 2 doubles.

"Steph had a great day. She's been working really hard to prepare and it paid off. She competed on every point, even from behind. We had five freshmen in the lineup today and they all really stepped up, came out and fought," Loeffelholz said.

Abrams also won her No. 2 singles match against Wittenberg's Rachel Bundy, 6-3, 6-0.

"Macey really played well against Wittenberg. We also got outstanding leadership from sophomore Jessica Veite," Loeffelholz said. "She was probably on the singles court for six hours today and never stopped competing. She fought on every point and picked up two very nice wins."

Veite (Loveland) was a winner at No. 5 singles over ODU's Anna Orians (1-6, 6-1, 6-3) and Wittenberg's Maggie Stewart (7-6 [12-10], 3-6, 10-2).

"It was a good start to the season," Loeffelholz said. "We were able to play against two good teams. We really appreciate Wittenberg giving us the opportunity to be a part of this tri-match."