SVSU’s tennis team took on Northwood on Saturday, Oct. 13, falling in a tough loss, 7-0.
The doubles teams came through with some strong sets, but they were not able find a victory. Gyselle Gutierrez and Maddie Miller faired the best, losing 7-6 to Carol ArnezMercado and Tetyana Pavych.
“The two new doubles pairings this season have really impressed me with their ability to improve each and every match,” head coach Jennifer Boehm said. “The potential is there for us to continue that trend as well. I have also been extremely impressed with how competitive Maddie Miller has been debuting at the top singles position this year. She has gone toe-to-toe with the best players in the conference and really stepped up.”
Despite the disappointing day on the box score, the team decided to view the losses as a learning experience.
“I felt I had one of the best matches of my seasons,” Miller said. “Although I lost, we both fought as hard as we could, and (Saturday) was (Pavych’s) day to win.”
Miller’s strengths were in her first serves and getting low on her shots.
“I got back tough shots that I typically may not have gotten
back in other matches,” she said.
Junior Taylor McLaughlin fell 2-0 in her two sets against Elizaveta Velichk, though she was able to use the match to identify her strengths.
“I feel I did OK, could have done better,” McLaughlin said. “My strengths were my back and my serve. I also never gave up.”
Despite the losses, Boehm is proud of the team’s efforts.
“Overall, (Saturday) was one of our best team efforts.” Boehm said. “The score really doesn’t do justice to the close battles we had on court (Saturday). I was really proud of how we came out with a ton of energy and pushed our opponents on every court. We just came up a little short.”
The team will look to pick up the pieces when they host the Grand Valley Lakers on Saturday, Oct. 20, at noon.
The team will then play again at home on Sunday, Oct. 21 against the Ferris State Bulldogs at 10 a.m.
According to Boehm, the team has identified a focus for the team’s upcoming games before their matches against Ferris and Grand Valley.
“As we prepare for this upcoming weekend at home versus Ferris and Grand Valley, the main focus is on controlling the controllable.” Boehm said. “We practice and compete at a much higher level when we bring a high level of intensity and energy. ”
