Huskies edged by Prairie Stars 4-3

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Playing a singles player short for the second straight match, the Huskies fell to Illinois Springfield 4-3 in women's tennis Saturday at Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center.

The Huskies won at No. 1 and No. 2 to take the team doubles point. Nicole Ballach continued her strong start with a straight-sets victory (6-2, 6-1) at No. 1 singles to put Tech on top 2-0. No. 2 singles finished next. Lauren Opalewski pushed UIS's Carmen Llopis Fabra to a first set tiebreak but succumbed 7-6 (4), 6-3. 

UIS tied the match 2-2 when Franca Bucco (UIS) took care of Marina Fernandez (MTU) at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 6-3. Chiara Heinz (MTU) lost to Rian Hsuu 6-1, 6-0 at No. 5 and the Huskies defaulted at No. 6, which sealed the match for the Prairie Stars. Neva Manas was the final match on court and she polished off a three-set comeback win over Piper Schrepferman 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

"We left it all out there today," said head coach Kristin Yep. "Missing some key players at the top of the lineup is tough, but we still almost overcame it. I was proud of how we played."

Michigan Tech (0-2) travels to California to play four matches next, starting with Concordia Irvine on Monday, March 7. Ballach (Waldbroel, Germany) went undefeated (4-0) combined in singles and doubles on opening weekend.