IUP tennis open PSAC play with win over Mercyhurst

The women’s tennis team beat Mercyhurst Tuesday for the first time in the history of the program.

IUP hosted Mercyhurst at the Maple Street courts for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division opener. The Crimson Hawks beat the Lakers 7-2, winning five of the six singles matches.

Junior Emilia Osborne clinched IUP’s win with a 6-2, 6-4 singles victory.

Osborne had an 8-1 win with Tanya Timko in the doubles matchup. Osborn is second in career doubles wins at IUP.

Head Coach Larry Peterson knows all about the stiff Mercyhurst competition, having never won a match against the Lakers since becoming head coach. But he is confident in his players.

“They’re a dangerous team,” Peterson said. “We went in expecting a battle, but I think we are stronger.”

There were no graduating players on last season’s team, Peterson said. Having all veteran players and having a competitive early-spring schedule have prepared the Hawks for regular-season play.

Freshman Tanya Timko and sophomore Ranvita Mahto have stepped up and proven their strength on the courts. Both won doubles during Tuesday’s matchup.

“We are playing well across the board,” Peterson said.

No. 29 IUP is now 1-0 in the PSAC West and 10-5 overall.

The Hawks will face three opponents this weekend. Today will be at Edinboro, Saturday and Sunday will home against Ashland and Cal U.