Bethany Duo Finishes 2nd at KCAC Fall Tennis Championships

By Cayden Danzer

A fall full of match play and training, resulted in a successful off-season for Sophomores, Piper Marquez and Tia Gregry. Nearing the end of the fall season for Bethany tennis, the KCAC Fall Championships took place. In late September, Marquez and Gregry traveled to Winfield, KS to compete for the number 2 doubles championship.

Having not played consistent doubles as a duo since high school, Marquez and Gregry were excited to step on the court together again.

“When I found out we were going to be doubles partners this season, I was very excited. Tia and I have great chemistry and we know how to work with each other, Marquez said.”

With the duo working together throughout the off-season they were prepared to face

tough competition at the KCAC Fall Championships.

Seeded at the number 3 spot, Marquez and Gregry got an advantage first round with a bye. Heading into the second round of play, they faced their first matchup of the number 6 seed, Kansas Wesleyan. Topping their opponents 8 games to 4, Marquez and Gregry were off to a good start.

“The match against KWU was a great first match. We knew we had to come out ready to play and gain momentum as early as possible, Gregry said.”

Heading into the second day of match play of the KCAC Fall Championships, the number 2 doubles duo was 2-0. Starting day two off, the doubles duo faced the number 2 seeded, Bethel. A consistent and strong game from Marquez and Gregry resulted in

an 8-4 victory over the higher seeded Bethel team.

“The match against Bethel was back and forth, we made a great shot and they made a great shot. Tia and I knew we had to break the pattern and get momentum. With that mentality, we were able to take a couple games off them and win the match, Marquez said.”

Then playing in the championship match for the number 2 doubles championship, Marquez and Gregry faced the number 4 seeded, Southwestern. With several shifts in momentum throughout the match, the Bethany duo fell short of the Southwestern team.

In spite of the unfortunate ending, Marquez and Gregry claimed the 2nd place title in the KCAC Fall Championships.