Ashland women’s tennis fell to two more GLIAC competitors this weekend.

On Oct. 10, the Eagles fell 8-1 against the Ferris State Bulldogs. 

Despite their loss, freshman Natalie Keron had a strong day defeating Ferris State’s Arien Kissenger 7-5 and 6-2.

“At the stat of the year, I was really nervous,” said Keron. “Now I am going into every match and playing with confidence because I have experience now.”

On Oct. 11, the Grand Valley State University Lakers 9-0 swept the Eagles.  Sophomore Meghann Fitzpatrick gave a strong performance as she battled with Laker Aimee Moccia. Fitzpatrick forced a third set, but ultimately fell 3-6, 6-3, 11-9.

“Natalie and I both played really well,” I was happy with both of our matches on Saturday,” said Fitzpatrick. “Obviously it is tough losing, but I walked off the court happy with my performance.”

Grand Valley boasts a strong women’s squad this season, holding an undefeated 11-record for the season and 10-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

These two conference losses drop the Eagles’ record to 2-8.

“It was a tough weekend,” said Fitzpatrick. “We are just having a hard time finding confidence coming off of a hard year like last year, but we are playing better.”

The Eagles look to face their next opponent, the Walsh Cavaliers, on Homecoming weekend, Oct. 17 at home beginning at 10 a.m.

The Eagles will need to come out victorious this weekend in order to make it into the GLIAC tournament. 

“It’s good pressure,” said Fitzpatrick. “We are going to have to work hard, but we are all very excited and hopefully we stay motivated and give our all in order to reach our goals.”