The Eastern Michigan University tennis team defeated Ball State 5-2 on Friday to improve to 2-0 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Eagles’ dual teams did not let Ball State overcome them, and they won all of their three doubles matches by scores of 8-3.
They snagged the doubles point, which caused Ball State to fall to 0-3 in the MAC league.
“We survived today,” Coach Ryan Ray said. “Ball State brought more intensity, and they pushed us hard.”
During the singles match, the Eagles struggled a bit to keep their heads above water. At first, they had a 3-2 lead on Ball State. However, Miriam Westerink and Daphne Friedrichs defeated their opponents to take a win.
“We did a good job in closing out two three-set matches in the end to finish the match,” Ray said, “We just need to bring support in big matches at the end.”
On Saturday, the Eagles took on Miami University but were defeated 6-1. They dropped to 2-1 in MAC play.
Miami took the doubles point as it won the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles team. The Eagles No. 1 team, however, beat Miami, but it was not enough to get the point.
“Miami is currently at the top of the conference, and we fought them close in most matches,” Ray said. “They were more clutch at the end of most sets, and that proved to be the difference.”
Miami ended up winning five out of its six matches. The only Eagle win was by Marcela Rivero. Miami dominated the courts and took a victory.
“I’m proud of our effort and the fight we showed today,” Ray said.
The Eagles travel to take on the Northern Illinois University Huskies at 1 p.m. Friday.
