The Hillsdale College women's tennis team battled hard against a tough Midwest Region foe but came up short in a 5-2 loss to visiting Grand Valley St. on Saturday.
Senior Sarah Hackman had a strong match for the Chargers at No. 1 singles, rallying from a first set loss to beat GVSU's Vera Griva 4-6, 7-6, 10-8 for one of the Chargers' two points. Hackman nearly went undefeated on the day, but lost a tiebreaker at No. 1 doubles with partner Melanie Zampardo to GVSU's Marily Canellopoulos and Marija Leko, 7-6 (3).
Fellow senior Sophia Spinazze got Hillsdale's other point, winning 6-0, 6-4 at No. 5 singles over Canellopoulos as well. Freshman Libby McGivern came the closest to giving the Chargers a third victory, winning the first set at No. 3 singles 6-3 over Vasileva Griva of GVSU before falling 6-0, 7-5 in the other two sets.
Ultimately, the Chargers couldn't overcome losing the doubles point, as the Lakers won all three flights to take the point and Hillsdale was unable to get the two additional singles victories necessary to swing the match in their favor.
Hillsdale (3-2) has perhaps its toughest match of the season to date up next, as the Chargers travel to Big Rapids next Sunday to take on Ferris St. at 10:30 a.m. The Bulldogs were ranked 21st in the nation in the ITA Preseason poll and will be a strong opponent for Hillsdale to test itself against.
Photo Courtesy of UIndy Athletics