A plane flight covering 4,445 miles, a five-hour time change, and 80-degree heat couldn’t get in the way of the Michigan women’s tennis team.
The 21st-ranked Wolverines (4-4) took care of business, dominating a struggling Hawaii squad on Thursday, 7-0.
The match was highlighted by the surprising roster changes made by Michigan coach Ronni Bernstein, who juggled her lineups in both singles and doubles.
Senior captain Allie Shafner returned to action after a six-week layoff, teaming with fellow captain Lindsey Howard in doubles play.
The pair ignited Michigan’s win, taking the first doubles match from Hawaii’s Britney Beswick and Jennifer Goldman, 8-0.
“Its good to keep the team fresh,” Bernstein said. “It was nice to give Allie an opportunity to play.”
Freshman Kari Wig was inserted into the sixth singles slot after fellow freshman Whitney Taney went down with a shoulder injury.
Wig won her match in straight sets (7-6, 6-3).
No. 55 Chisako Sugiyama carried her momentum from her victory against Northwestern’s Georgia Rose two weeks ago, by topping 67th-ranked Sophie Kobuch in a quick 6-3, 6-4 decision.
With straight-set victories in every singles match and wins in two of three doubles matches, the Wolverines settled in nicely with their new and unfamiliar surroundings.
“There was some hot weather,” Bernstein said. “We had some time to adjust, though, because we’ve been down here (for five days).”
With a few days to relax and a decisive victory over the Rainbow Wahine, Michigan couldn’t help but have good vibes about the Aloha State.
“This was a fun trip,” Bernstein said. “We were really able to enjoy ourselves.”