SOUTHFIELD -- The Cardinal Women's Tennis team hit the road for a non-conference matchup with Lawrence Tech on Sunday (Feb. 24) evening a the Franklin Athletic Club. Saginaw Valley, playing with only five and experiencing a 0-2 deficit right off the bat, fought through and ended up claiming a 7-2 victory over the Blue Devils.
Since the Blue Devils were hosting the NAIA scoring format was used meaning that all nine courts would count equally as one point, doubles play is first to 8 games, as well as playing out the deuce points with ad-score.
The team responded well to the format change by sweeping the #1 and #2 doubles spots, winning 8-4 and 8-6 respectively. The Cardinals had to default at #3 doubles. Nicole Johnson played her match simultaneously with the doubles and had a commanding performance at #5 singles winning 6-1, 6-0. The #6 singles position would also be a default win for Lawrence Tech putting the Cardinals up 3-2 going into the remaining wave of singles matches.
Taylor McLaughlin scores the next point with a solid 6-0, 6-2 victory at #3 singles followed closely by Joanne Gao who also came away with a win at #2 singles 6-1, 6-1.
Maddie Miller had a back and forth battle but stepped up big in the third set tiebreaker to take the #1 singles match 6-2, 4-6, (10-4). In the final match left on court, Maya Campbell outlasted a tough opponent with a 6-3, 7-5 decision.
Although the Cardinals had to default two of the matches they managed a clean sweep of the 7 matches that were played.
From head coach Jenn Boehm...
"I give a lot of credit to the Lawrence Tech team because like us their lineup was not at full strength. I thought both teams really fought hard with a lot of supportive energy for their respective teams.
Overall I was proud of how our team competed and kept composure when LTU raised their game. We certainly have room to grow, but I am seeing significant improvement in the mindset of several of our players and it made a real difference in the match. We need to continue to work on the areas and situations that challenge us in order to fair well on our upcoming spring trip to Florida. We will face some of our greatest tests all year and our best focus, preparation, and energy will be required."
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