Coming off straight set wins over both Clarion and Lake Erie, the Ashland tennis team, 8-2 overall, 7-2 GLIAC, lost for the first time since Sept. 5. Northwood, 7-1, traveled to Ashland Friday and did what no other team could: beat AU at home. Saginaw Valley State was not so lucky.

Northwood

In singles action, the Timberwolves only lost third and sixth singles. The GLIAC women’s tennis “Athlete of the Week” Paige Cooper took third singles, 6-0, 6-1 and Alexandra Ware won, 6-1, 6-1.

Ashland had more luck in doubles play where they took two-of-three. Cooper and Victoria Goudy defeated Svenja Stephan and Nikoletta Kaposzta (NU) 8-3 in first doubles. AU lost second doubles, 8-2 but Erika Sullivan and Kira Kotova recovered to win third doubles, 8-5.

The loss proved costly since Northwood is one match ahead of AU in the GLIAC, yet has played one less match. Both teams trail Grand Valley State who is undefeated.

Saginaw Valley

AU didn’t let their first loss in recent memory deter them from getting back on track against visiting Saginaw Valley State Saturday.

Doubles play was competitive but Ashland was able to pull off the sweep. Goudy and Cooper played in the most competitive match but won first doubles, 9-8 (7-3).

Goudy, Cooper, freshman Kira Kotova and Ware all won their singles matches. Erika Sullivan and Corinne Pasley both suffered tough losses in second and fourth singles.

Athlete of the Week

Cooper was named the GLIAC women’s tennis “Athlete of the Week” after posting a combined 5-1 record at the No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles positions.

AU travels to Ferris State today to take on the team directly behind them in the GLIAC standings. The match is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. The Eagles’ remaining matches will be on the road.