Senior Day Split for Women's Tennis

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College women's tennis team played host to a pair of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matches to wrap up the 2018 season on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets split results on the day, falling to Hanover 9-0, and defeating Mt. St. Joseph by a 5-4 scoreline. 

With Senior Day festivities set to take place between the two contests, action got underway with an early start against Hanover College. Kicking off the day with doubles action, fans saw the number one pairing of seniors Hannah Hesterman (Archbold / Archbold) and Cayla Walker (Archbold / Archbold) battle to win four games from their Panther opponents before ultimately falling 8-4. 

In singles action Hesterman fought to a 7-5 loss in the first set before falling 6-2 in the second. In number six singles Alexa St. Julian (Oregon / Clay) fell in a 6-3 opening set and fought hard to a tiebreak in the second set, falling 7-6. 

After senior day festivities recognizing Hesterman, Walker, and Chelsey Braunwart (Trenton / Edgewood) for their contributions to the Defiance women's tennis program, the Yellow Jackets looked to end the season with a victory as they took on Mt. St. Joseph. 

The results were off to a good start for the Purple and Gold as Hesterman and Walker quickly swept their Lion opponents 8-0. Fans were treated to a thrilling number two doubles match as A.J. Breneman (Bryan / Bryan) and Chelsey Braunwart headed to a tiebreak. Knotted at 8-8 the home pairing were able to earn a 7-4 victory in the tiebreak to take the match 9-8. 

In singles action Hesterman, Breneman, Walker, and St. Julian were all victorious to give the Yellow Jackets the key five victories in the contest. Braunwart wrapped up her collegiate career with a hard-fought 8-6 loss to her Lion opponent. 

Defiance sends off the trio of seniors on high note. Braunwart, Hesterman, and Walker helped the Yellow Jackets to a 4-12 record during the 2018 season, picking up two wins during HCAC play.