No. 34 Redlands Women's Tennis Drops Tough 3-6 Decision to No. 27 Christopher Newport

Elizabeth Johnson swings a backhand
Photo credit: Maya Brito

The No. 34 University of Redlands women's tennis team hosted the No. 27 Christopher Newport University (VA) Captains on Friday afternoon in a non-conference bout on Verdieck Courts.  After falling behind, 1-2, through the doubles, the Bulldogs battled to regain the lead early in the singles but ultimately lost by a score of 3-6.

In doubles, the Captains captured the first two points with wins at Nos. 2 and 3, but Redlands responded when junior Elizabeth Johnson (Portland, OR) and sophomore Sarah Ikioka (Wailuku, HI) earned an 8-6 victory at the top spot.

The Maroon and Gray kept things rolling in the singles matches, as Johnson prevailed at No. 2 by scores of 6-2, 6-3 and first-year Lexi Lehman (Scottsdale, AZ) cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 triumph at No. 4 to make it 3-2.

However, CNU answered right back with straight-set wins at all remaining matches to steal the 6-3 result.

Redlands (4-4) continues its busy slate of matches by hosting the University of Texas at Dallas on Tuesday, March 13, at 2 p.m. on Verdieck Courts.