It happened again. After last week's thrilling match against The College of Notre Dame in which the Chargers lost 5-4, they were feeling good about themselves. After falling to Philadelphia Biblical University by that same score on Tuesday at Buchmiller Park, they aren't as pleased.

The Chargers (0-2) held a 4-3 lead heading into the final two doubles matches of the day, but couldn't hold on as PBU (2-1) won two of the best matches of the day. Junior Kelsey Scott, who won her singles match 6-1, 6-0, and her partner sophomore Michelle Ringler lost 9-8 to Liz Stafford and Jocelyn Palmer that featured a tie-breaker to decide the match. The Crimson Eagles took the breaker 7-3.

The other doubles match featured junior Carolyn Kensinger and freshman Bri Funk. They jumped out to an early lead in their match, but lost 8-6, in a match that went back and forth.

"I was happy with the way the ladies played today," Head Coach Zach Freeman said. "The girls put forth the effort needed to win, we just came up a bit short."

Kensinger took on the Crimson Eagles' number one player, Katelyn Wilson and despite the score, played a very good match. Wilson won 6-0, 6-0. Likewise, Funk took the first set of her match, but couldn't withstand the late push from Stafford as the Crimson Eagle came back to win 4-6, 6-0, 11-9 (tie-breaker).

Ringler also fell in her singles match, losing to Palmer 6-4, 6-2.


Ringler (front) and Kelsey Scott (back)during their doubles match

The two bright and surprising stars of the team continue to be freshman Kayla Scott and junior Roxy Ghaziaskar. Both picked up their second wins of the season. Scott, playing family friend Brealyn Stillman, defeated her 6-3, 6-4, while Ghaziaskar defeated Hannah Maddox 6-2, 6-2.

"Kayla and Roxy have been tremendous," Freeman said. "It's all about controlling Roxy's nerves and making sure Kayla is sure of herself. If those things are in place, there hasn't been anyone who can stop them."

The final doubles match between the Chargers' Becky Griffes and Ashley Bell and PBU's Shannon Champagne and Tara Munro was lopsided as the Chargers rolled 8-1.

Stephanie LaPearl, playing in an exhibition match, defeated her opponent 6-3.

While the two losses have been close and there has been improvement in each player, Freeman is still hoping the Chargers can take their play to the next level.

"We have played very well in the first two matches, but at some point, getting close or just missing can't be good enough," Freeman said. "It's my hope that this program can take the next step and we can not only be competitive, but win a few matches as well."