Ashland University's women's tennis team won its first dual match of the season on Sunday (Sept. 9), 4-3, over Fairmont State, indoors at nearby Lexington, Ohio.
"The girls really stepped up today," said Eagles head coach Lexi Bolesky. "It was a complete team effort. The energy and support were very apparent. We are excited to finish with the win, but are determined to get back to work and continue improving."
The Eagles started quickly, taking two of three doubles matches. Freshmen Nikhol Pluta and Huntyr Lake got their dual careers at Ashland off to a quick start by winning their match 6-0. The other victorious pairing was junior Brianna Brdicka and freshman Larissa Wieser. They also won handedly, recording a 6-2 victory.
On the singles side, the Eagles relied on the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots to ultimately secure the victory.
With the score tied 3-3, the attention was on the fourth slot. Lake showed poise, battling out a three-set nail-biter. She won 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, to tip the scales in the Eagles favor.
Other players to earn singles victories were sophomore Anna Hart in straight sets in the fifth slot, 6-1, 6-1, and junior Allison Brooks in the sixth slot, 6-2, 6-0.
The Eagles won their opening match of the season for the second year in a row.
Ashland will face off next against Walsh on Wednesday (Sept. 12) at 3:30 p.m. on the road.
Order of finish – DOUBLES: 2, 1, 3… SINGLES: 5, 6, 3, 2, 1, 4
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