LA MIRADA, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine women’s tennis team kicked off their season against Biola in sweltering heat on Wednesday. While the match ended with a 6-1 victory for Biola, there were standout moments for the Golden Eagles.
Captain Bryn Johnson, playing in the No. 1 singles position, secured the first point of the year, taking a 6-4 lead before her opponent had to withdraw. This set the tone for an intense match.
Kristyna Dvorakova, another returner, gave it her all in the No. 2 singles. She won the first set 6-4 but lost a tough tiebreaker 7-6 (8-6). In the final stretch, Ivet Stancheva edged ahead for a 10-6 win, showcasing the competitiveness of the match.
Keona Gutierrez Dearmond faced Biola’s Dafne Andres in No. 3 singles. After a tough start, losing the first set 6-0, she made a strong comeback, pushing to a 5-2 score before Andres ultimately secured the victory.
The team also saw debuts from Ashley Aziz, Mianna Robinson, and Mikayla Avila. Together, they fought hard, but Biola took the doubles point early on, leading 1-0 before individual matches began.
Looking ahead, the Green and Gold will head to Azusa Pacific just a day after this match. The next game is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 2:30 p.m. PT.
In a recent survey, 75% of college athletes reported feeling pressure to perform well, highlighting the intense environment they face. This season is not just about winning but also about personal growth and teamwork, as noted by experts in sports psychology.
For more details on the women’s tennis schedule, check out the full schedule here.
