Michigan Tech’s Emily Cojocaru returns a volley during a match Sunday against Lake Superior State at the Gates Tennis Center in Houghton. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech women’s tennis started out Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play with a 6-1 win over Lake Superior State Sunday at Gates Tennis Center. The Huskies improved to 4-4 (1-0 GLIAC) and is 1-1 at home.

Tech began with a sweep in doubles. Dominika Bobik and Grace Eland dominated at No. 1 doubles 6-1. Bobik finished the set with an ace and Eland deployed a mid-court swinging volley to great effect throughout.

No. 2 doubles finished next as Emily Cojocaru and Lauren Opalewski stayed undefeated (6-0) together. The duo dropped out of the ITA Division II Top-50 doubles rankings this week.

“They have good technique and the way they approach doubles is very smart,” said head coach Kristin D’Agostini-Yep. “I’m really happy with the way they are playing right now.”

Ewa Podulka and Neva Manas improved to 4-2 at No. 3 doubles, with a tiebreak win over Martina Oreido and Riley Gilman.

The Huskies collected straight-set wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles to take a 3-0 match lead, but Tayla Brasier edged Ewa Podulka at the third position 6-3, 7-6(6).

Bobik went toe to toe at the baseline with Marilou Cote to pick up her fourth win at No. 1 this spring.

“She just seems very confident this year and that makes all the difference,” D’Agostini-Yep said.

Later, Emily Cojocaru earned the clinching point for Tech with consistency off the ground and a big serve at No. 5.

“I’m happy with the way she is playing right now,” said D’Agostini-Yep. “If this is the level she’s bringing as a freshman, I can’t wait to see what she is capable of achieving the rest of her career here.”

Marina Fernandez dropped just two games against Riley Gilman at No. 6.

The Huskies avenged last year’s 5-2 loss to the Lakers in Sault Ste. Marie. Sunday’s match was originally scheduled for Saturday, but was moved due to poor road conditions.

Up next

Michigan Tech (4-4, 1-0) plays three road matches to end the month of March, beginning with Davenport on Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. Lake Superior State (1-8, 0-1) continues at Purdue Northwest.