PREVIEW: Huskies take on Davenport in GLIAC Quarterfinals
HOUGHTON, Mich. – When No. 44 ranked Michigan Tech women's tennis (8-6, 5-2) takes the court Friday in the GLIAC quarterfinals, it will be their seventh straight tournament appearance, third under head coach Kristin D'Agostini-Yep.
The Huskies proved their ability to win tight matches this spring, with five 4-3 clinchers leading to a 5-2 conference record. Tech's latest triumph came in more decided fashion, a 5-2 home victory over Ferris State on Saturday as the Huskies celebrated its three senior players. Now they hope to make a long postseason run.
After grabbing the No. 3 seed, MTU's journey begins against No. 6 seed Davenport (13-11, 2-5) at Greater Midland Tennis Center, which hosts all three rounds of the six-team tournament. No. 2 seed Wayne State (bye) awaits the winner. The semifinals are Saturday, followed by the Championship Sunday.
While Tech has remained remarkably consistent over the past six seasons, they have finished no higher than third place over that span (2019) and fell in the quarterfinals to Grand Valley State last season 4-1. Still, the Huskies have improved considerably in both singles and doubles this year.
Stability at the top of the lineup has contributed to Tech's success. Senior Dominika Bobik (Wroclaw, Poland) is 7-6 at No. 1 singles and graduate transfer Grace Eland (Penrith, England) holds a 7-5 record at No. 2. Bobik has been ranked as high as No. 71 in Division II singles by ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association), putting her in strong contention for All-GLIAC honors after she was named Honorable Mention in 2021-22.
Those who ventured over to Gates Tennis Center this spring will have noted Bobik's impressive ball striking and power off both wings from the baseline. She began her Husky career in 2019-20 as an All-GLIAC First Team selection as well as GLIAC Freshman of the Year.
Bobik and Eland also teamed in doubles and went 7-7 together at the No. 1 spot. The duo are 3-0 against Nationally ranked opponents, including a 6-3 set over Grand Valley State's No. 12 ranked pair Vasileia Griva and Taylor Barrett. On Wednesday, they were ranked No. 31 in Division II doubles by the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association).
To begin the season, freshman Emily Cojocaru (Richmond Hill, Ontario) and Senior Lauren Opalewski (Oxford, Michigan) won five straight doubles matches at No. 2, leading to a season-high National ranking of No. 49.
Senior Neva Manas (Carmel, Indiana) and freshman Ewa Podulka (Trzbenica, Poland) have quietly amassed a 9-3 record at No. 3 doubles, giving the Huskies added depth.
Even with a healthier roster and veteran corps, many of Tech's duels have come down to the final match to determine the outcome in an always challenging conference.
The Huskies snuck past Davenport 4-3 in Grand Rapids on March 24 and handed the Panthers their first GLIAC defeat. DU collected the team doubles point, but the Huskies made the difference in singles, with wins at No. 1 (Bobik), No. 2 (Eland), No. 4 (Cojocaru), and No. 6 (Opalewski). Opalewski clinched the match against Louis Hosking 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3.
Friday, Bobik and Eland are likely to see a rematch against Willemien Coetzee and Amy Bloch, ranked No. 16 in Division II doubles last week.
In addition to a GLIAC title, the Huskies are also vying to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 16 seasons (2007-08). In the Midwest Region, the three conference tournament winning teams (GLIAC, GMAC, GLVC) receive an automatic bid, while the remaining teams are chosen at-large by the NCAA committee to fill out the seven-team field. The tournament begins May 1.
Michigan Tech was ranked No. 6 in the second NCAA region rankings poll on April 19. Last week, MTU lost to No. 20 Grand Valley State, then defeated Ferris State.