Erie, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's and Women's Tennis teams have their toughest test yet as they take on the 2021 men's and women's national champions of Barry University Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the National Tennis Center in Orlando, Florida.

Laker Overview

Both the men and women fell 5-2 at Saint Francis on March 1. Sara Bertolez Puente earned one of the Lakers' two points with her third straight win at No. 6 singles. Nadja Ostojic also picked up a win at No. 4 singles.

On the men's side, David Akinpetide and Noha DeSousa Pereira earned the lone Laker wins at first and fourth singles, respectively.  

Scouting Barry

The women (No. 1 in Division II) have not lost any momentum after last season, winning all of their first nine duals of the spring season, including six against nationally-ranked teams. They are led by the top-ranked singles player in the country, Deniz Khazan, and the No. 3 doubles pair of Daniela Farfan and Kim Moosbacher. Moosbacher is also ranked No. 15 in Division II in singles.

 The Barry men fell to No. 5 in the latest national poll after a loss to Lynn in their second dual of the spring, and recently lost to the new No. 1, Columbus State, on Sunday. The men are 8-2 this spring.

The men have three singles players ranked nationally: Alejandro Ibanez Gallego (No. 3), Alejandro Ortego Palacios (No. 9) and Alessandro Giuliato (No. 25). Giuliato and Ignasi Forcano were ranked No. 13 nationally as a doubles pair.

The men and women are slated to take on Valdosta State Monday afternoon before taking on the Lakers Tuesday. The Valdosta State men are ranked No. 2 in Division II.