The Michigan women’s tennis team beat Indiana and Purdue this weekend to stay undefeated through three Big Ten games this season.
Throughout the weekend, the Wolverines (3-0 Big Ten, 11-3 overall) put together a series of solid performances in the singles which propelled the team to victory in both games.
Sophomores Brienne Minor and Kate Fahey, along with junior Mira Ruder-Hook, led the way for Michigan in both the singles and doubles play.
In the Wolverines’ 4-0 victory over Indiana (1-3 Big Ten, 10-8 overall) on Saturday, both Minor and Ruder-Hook defeated their opponents in straight sets in the singles matches.
Fahey, ranked No. 18 in the country — Michigan’s highest-ranked athlete in singles play — struggled against her opponent, and was unable to complete her match after the Wolverines had already won the game.
Michigan coach Ronni Bernstein was pleased with her team’s performance outdoors, an early look at what an eventual post-season appearance would feel like.
Despite their relatively easy victory against Indiana, Michigan would face a much more formidable challenge Sunday after Purdue (0-3 Big Ten, 5-9 overall) took an early 2-0 lead after a pair of victories in the doubles.
“(It) was very tough,” Bernstein said. “We had our backs against the wall.”
Much like against Indiana, the singles play would save the day for the Wolverines.
Minor, Fahey, Ruder-Hook and freshman Chiara Lommer handled their opponents in two sets, and junior Alex Najarian defeated hers in three.
Fahey was able to redeem herself after her lackluster performance the day before, and Bernstein was particularly happy that she had been able to adjust her play.
“(It helped us) to be tested,” Bernstein said.
Another Wolverine who received praise was Ruder-Hook, whose doubles victory with Minor helped ensure the win for Michigan.
“She is the one coming through for us,” Bernstein said. “She’s been showing up every day.”
Ruder-Hook was an All-American in the doubles category last season, and the Denver native has demonstrated her prowess throughout the season.
Despite Michigan’s strong record, Bernstein is looking for improvements from the Wolverines moving forward.
“I think we can always get better,” Bernstein said. “All the kids have something to work on.”