UNIVERSITY CENTER - The SVSU women's tennis team opened its 2015-16 season at home on Saturday morning against the University of Findlay Oilers at the SVSU Tennis Complex. After a strong 2-1 performance in doubles, the Cardinals posted a clean sweep in singles play to secure an 8-1 victory in the conference match.
Abigail Shonk and Shea Donahue were the first team off the court in doubles, posting an 8-0 victory at the #3 doubles position. Izabella Ismailova and Danielle Slonac followed suit with a victory of their own, claiming an 8-5 decision over their opponents in the #2 doubles match. The #1 doubles duo of Erin Doud and Ana Pico put up a good fight but fell by a final count of 8-6.
"Our goal all season is to win two out of three doubles matches," said SVSU head coach Jenn Boehm. "We were able to do that today and it really helped create momentum and great energy going into singles."
That energy carried over well, as the team won all six matches in singles play.
Slonac made quick work of her opponent at #6 singles, posting a 6-0, 6-0 victory. Shonk claimed a 6-0, 6-3 decision in #5 singles and newcomer Pico posted a victory in her #2 singles debut for SVSU with a score of 6-2, 6-0. At #3 singles, Donahue won 7-6, 6-4 and Doud was a winner at #4 singles by a 6-4, 6-2 count. Ismailova competed at #1 singles and ended up sealing a victory in an exciting three-set contest with scores of 6-1, 3-6, 11-9.
"In singles, we competed very well on every court," stated Boehm. "In a few matches where the scores were close we kept our composure and positivity. That was key to us winning those matches. The girls played with discipline and focus and I was very proud of our team effort. Now we need to build on this success to prepare for a tough Tiffin team tomorrow."
The Cardinals (1-0, 1-0 GLIAC) will host the Dragons on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the SVSU Tennis Complex.
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