Hawks add three victories over weekend

The IUP women's tennis team indulged in a successful weekend Thursday through Saturday as it came away from competition with three wins in as many games.

The Hawks defeated Slippery Rock, West Virginia State and Charleston in sequence all by the score of 6-3.

Aiding IUP's cause against Slippery Rock was sophomore Emilia Osborne, who teamed with Alex Ballard for a 9-8 (7-5) victory at No. 3 doubles and later defeated Lizzie Yetiskul, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 3 singles.

This was the first time the Crimson Hawks have played competitively on their home court this season.

"More than anything it helps their mentality," IUP Head Coach Larry Peterson said. "It's much less stressful on their time management for the day."

Also propelling IUP to victory was Tabtip Louhabanjong. With Katie Eaton, the freshman pulled out an 8-4 win at No. 1 doubles before edging Drmac Dunja at No. 2 singles in a third set tiebreaker, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-4).

IUP then moved from the comfort of the outdoor home court to their indoor home at the Ebensburg Tennis Center to meet regional foe West Virginia State from the WVIAC.

Louhabanjong and Eaton continued their success indoors as the doubles team downed West Virginia State's Brittany Craig/Maria Moreno in addition to recording singles wins for the Crimson Hawks.

Eaton rallied from being down 4-6, 2-5 to earn a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles.

Also a singles standout was No. 4 Ravita Mahto, who posted a second set shutout over Moreno, 6-3, 6 0.

Rounding out the week for the Crimson Hawks was Charleston, another member of the WVIAC.

Mahto, who according to Peterson, strained her right quadriceps against West Virginia State, and has been battling injury all season, fought through a first set tiebreaker to knock off Laura Smith, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.

"I just ignored it," Mahto said. "In situations like that you just have to work through it and keep your eye on the finish line."

All four IUP singles victories came in straight sets.

"After two tough matches, it's nice to get it done in straight sets on the third day," said Peterson. "I was a little worried about how much of a toll it had taken on us physically. So it's certainly nice to get up a set if you've got a little nagging injury that can help motivate you."

The wins for IUP boost its record to 13-5 (1-2) and put the post season within reach.

Winning out in the division and a Mercyhurst victory over Slippery Rock April 11 will punch the Crimson Hawks' playoff ticket.

IUP returns to action Tuesday at Clarion.