LINCOLN, Neb. (October 5, 2024) – The Nebraska Wesleyan University women's tennis team completed a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Loras College, winning 4-3 on Senior Day. The Prairie Wolves lost the doubles point but showcased their resilience in singles play to earn the win.

With singles action holding the key, NWU's seniors—Addi Duranski, Anna Burt, and Ella Ford—led the charge in what became an emotional and pivotal day for the program. Duranski sealed the victory in her final home match, securing a hard-fought comeback in singles, while Burt and Caitlin Hudson also delivered clutch wins.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Nebraska Wesleyan fell behind early, losing two of the three doubles matches. The No. 2 team of Crystal Craft and Caitlin Hudson earned NWU's only doubles win, posting a convincing 6-2 result. However, the Prairie Wolves faced an uphill battle as they headed into singles down 1-0.

The singles competition was a showcase of NWU's grit. Anna Burt kicked things off with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 4 singles, helping turn the tide. Caitlin Hudson followed with a crucial win at No. 6 singles, defeating her opponent in straight sets, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.

Addi Duranski completed the comeback for NWU, rallying from a set down to win her match 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. This marked the final point and victory in a closely contested match that saw NWU take home a 4-3 win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Doubles
Duranski/Burt (NWU) lost to Breitbach/Deans (LOR), 3-6
Craft/Hudson (NWU) def. Papanicholas/Kalia (LOR), 6-2
Ford/Smith (NWU) lost to Hutchinson/Tatum (LOR), 2-6

Singles
Breitbach (LOR) def. Craft (NWU), 6-1, 6-2
Deans (LOR) def. Ford (NWU), 7-5, 7-5
Brown (NWU) def Papanicholas (LOR), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Burt (NWU) def. Hutchinson (LOR), 6-1, 6-4
Duranski (NWU) def. Kalina (LOR), 5-7, 6-3, 6-1
Hudson (NWU) def. Tatum (LOR), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2

UP NEXT
The Prairie Wolves will now prepare for postseason play next spring after concluding their fall season with three straight postseason berths. The Prairie Wolves will also compete at the A-R-C Individual Championships on October 11-12 in Pella, Iowa.