Sophomore Max Franklin returns a serve on Tuesday against Division II Ferris State University at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. The Bears won 7-2.

The elements were a major factor in all matches played on Tuesday, with winds gusting up to 45 mph making shots difficult to judge.

The men dropped two of three doubles matches, with the team of junior Adam Putterman and freshman Ross Putterman winning the No. 1 doubles in tiebreak 9-8 (12-10). Sophomore Max Franklin and freshman Kevin Chu fell 8-6, and juniors Kareem Farah and Gary Parizher lost 8-3.

The Bears bounced back by winning all six singles matches in convincing fashion. All but Adam Putterman at No. 1 singles won in straight sets. The win moved the Bears to 4-2 in the spring season.

The women got two big wins at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles to get off to a fast start. Sophomores Betsy Edershile and Theresa Petraskova won 8-2 at No. 1 doubles while sophomore Corinne Rauck and freshman Hanna Newstadt won 8-2 at No. 2 doubles.

The Bears got wins at singles from Petraskova at No. 1 by a score of 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 10-5, sophomore Evelyn Qin at No. 2 (6-1, 6-1), and junior Kate Klein at No. 3 (6-1, 6-1). The sixth point came from junior Paige Madara at No. 6 singles, winning 6-2, 6-0.

Both teams will travel to California for several matchups against ranked teams over spring break. The men’s side faces three ranked schools, opening against No. 4 Azusa Pacific University on Monday, March 12. The women will face five ranked teams, beginning with No. 27 Chapman University on Saturday, March 10.