LUBBOCK, Texas (February 27, 2026) — Sixth-ranked Lubbock Christian University opened its home schedule in commanding fashion Thursday, defeating NJCAA No. 7 Seward County Community College twice by 6-1 scores at the Penny Gullo Tennis Center to improve to 8-3 overall and 3-0 all-time against the Saints.
In the opener, the Chaparrals (7-3) seized early momentum by sweeping doubles in decisive order.
Mattia Ghedin and
Kelly Giese set the tone at No. 1 with a 6-0 win, followed by
Andres De Los Rios and
Pablo Segura at No. 2, also 6-0, before
Marco Seccia and
Andrea Rossi Principe completed the sweep at No. 3, 6-2. Carrying a 1-0 lead into singles, Giese, ranked No. 4 nationally, was first off court at No. 1 with a 6-4, 6-0 victory to stretch his winning streak to seven matches and improve to 20-5 overall (9-1 at the top spot in duals). Segura (No. 18) followed at No. 2 with a 6-4, 6-2 decision, and De Los Rios (No. 17) delivered a pivotal three-set win at No. 3, rallying from a first-set loss to claim a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 triumph as LCU clinched the dual. Ghedin (No. 26) added a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 4, and Seccia closed singles with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 6. Seward County's lone point came at No. 5, where Rossi Principe fell in a third-set super tiebreak.
The nightcap followed a similar script. Ghedin and Giese again finished first at No. 1 doubles with a 6-1 decision, pushing their season mark to 7-3 — all at the top spot — and extending their current streak to three matches. Seccia and Rossi Principe secured the doubles point at No. 2, 6-2, before
Jordan Georgiev and
Hayden Loffler teamed for the first time this season and capped doubles with a 6-3 win at No. 3. In singles, Ghedin was first to finish at No. 2 with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 performance, and Segura followed at No. 1, 6-2, 6-4, giving LCU a 3-0 edge. Seward County picked up its lone point at No. 3, but Seccia answered with a marathon three-set victory at No. 4, prevailing 6-2, 6-7, 12-10 in a match tiebreak to secure the team win. Loffler added an 8-1 pro-set win at No. 6, and Georgiev completed the scoring with a 6-2, 6-0 result at No. 5.
Giese and Ghedin anchored both duals, combining for four victories between singles and doubles, while Segura and De Los Rios each extended five-match singles win streaks to boost LCU's depth. De Los Rios improved to 19-9 on the season, and Ghedin (16-9) and Segura (16-8) continued their strong spring form. Georgiev remained unbeaten in dual doubles play when paired with any partner this season (7-1), and the Chaparrals' balanced lineup showcased its versatility in the home opener. Although the NCAA does not factor junior college opponents into team ratings, the matches count toward LCU's overall record and are recognized by the ITA and other rating associations.
The Chaparrals return to action Mar. 7, remaining home to host Colorado Mesa.
