The SVSU women’s tennis team stayed undefeated in conference play after winning two road matches this past weekend in the Upper Peninsula.
With victories over Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State, the Lady Cardinals improved their record to 4-0 in the GLIAC and 4-1 overall, the team’s best start in five years.
SVSU beat Michigan Tech in a close 5-4 match on Saturday, Sept. 30. The team gained the lead 2-1 in doubles play and split singles competition 3-3.
Prior to the weekend, head coach Jennifer Boehm emphasized the importance of doubles play.
“I will sound like a broken record here, but for both of these matchups the key is doubles,” Boehm said. “Our doubles teams have really impressed me with the amount of growth, self-awareness and willingness to adapt to each match.”
Freshman Maya Campbell was able to secure the team’s road win with a strong two-set win, 7-6, 6-4 in singles play.
“Having (Campbell) clinch our match says a lot,” Donahue said. “The fact that a freshman can have so much pressure and still pull it out just really proves who wanted it more. She grinds every match, so we knew she would fight, and she knew we needed her match.
“Instead of getting nervous, she used our energy and the pressure to push through and win,” Donahue said.
The team ventured eastward the next day to take on Lake Superior State. The Lady Cards had a strong outing, as they won 8-1.
The team cleaned up in doubles, winning all three matches. Donahue lost the lone singles match as she went down in two sets.
After the victories, SVSU finds itself tied for first in the GLIAC with Northwood. Four other teams also are undefeated but have played fewer matches.
The team will host three GLIAC matches at home this upcoming weekend: Wayne State on Friday, Oct. 6, Ashland on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Tiffin on Sunday, Oct. 8.
