MIDLAND, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's tennis team concluded the 2021 season with the seventh-place match at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Sunday at the Greater Midland Tennis Center.

The Cardinals avenged a regular-season loss to Ashland University, topping the Eagles 4-1 to end 2021 with a victory. SVSU closes the first campaign under Head Coach Ryan Ruzziconi with a record of 5-12.

"Always a great way to end the season, with a victory," Ruzziconi said. "This team has endured so many obstacles this season between playing during COVID protocols to the numerous injuries on the team. I am very proud of each of them. The future is bright for the program."

The match, like the entire tournament, was played under clinch rules, ending the contest once one team reached four points.

The Cardinals took the early advantage, winning the doubles point with all three SVSU teams taking their match 7-5. An injury resulted in the Cardinals defaulting at No. 6 singles, giving the Eagles their lone point of the match.

Gyselle Daza Gutierrez moved up to No. 3 singles and rolled to a 7-5, 6-2 win. Nicole Johnson moved up to No. 4 singles and took her match 6-4, 6-3, while Adiya Young, who also moved up one soot in the lineup, closed out a 6-3, 7-5 win at No. 5 singles, securing the win for the Cardinals.  

"I also want to recognize Gyselle who played her last matches today for SVSU," Ruzziconi said. "She battled injuries today and pulled out wins in both doubles and singles. So proud of her."