The IUP women's tennis team continued a successful spring season Sunday by picking up its sixth-straight win while on the road visiting Ashland (Ohio).
The Crimson Hawks issued the Eagles their first loss in nine games and first of the spring season while improving to 10-2 on the season with the 5-4 decision.
Tabtip Louhabanjong was the last player on the court, with the match knotted at 4-4.
After losing her first set 3-6 and being down 4-0 in the second, the freshman came back to record a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory and give the Hawks the win.
"I just wanted to fight to the last point," Louhabanjong said. "I'm really glad I could help the team to finish the match. It's a big win for us."
IUP Head Coach Larry Peterson was not only pleased with Louhabanjong's focus, but also with her conditioning.
"She did an excellent job of changing her strategy and making adjustments mid-match that allowed her to get back into it," Peterson said. "We've worked a lot on fitness, so I knew that if she could pull out the comeback in the second set that she would have a great shot at winning the match in the third set."
Kicking the day off at singles for IUP was Ranvita Mahto, who used her dominant forehand hitting to earn the first singles win of the day for the Crimson Hawks, 6-3, 6-3.
"She has an amazing forehand, it's probably the greatest weapon we have on our team," said Peterson. "Not playing at the top of the lineup, a typical No. 4 player isn't used to seeing a shot that good."
Sophomore Emilia Osborne pulled out a tight 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 win to round out the singles victories for IUP.
Reigning PSAC West Tennis Athlete of the week Katie Eaton staged a comeback in the second set after losing her first but still fell short at No. 2 singles, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
The Crimson Hawks' success at doubles followed them again on Sunday as it has all spring season. IUP pulled out two close victories over Ashland that helped make the difference in the win.
Louhabanjong/Eaton tallied an 8-5 decision while Osborne/Alex Ballard teamed up for a 9-8 (7-1) victory.
"We spend a heck of a lot of time on doubles because it is critical," Peterson said. "It made the difference today. That's an advantage that we've got right now over other good teams and we pride ourselves on winning doubles."
IUP has only lost three doubles matches since the beginning of the spring season.
The Crimson Hawks look to extend their win streak in West Liberty, W.Va., on Wednesday when they take on the Hilltoppers, who are one spot ahead of IUP in the regional standings.
"That's going to be our first big regional match of the spring season," said Peterson. "I believe we're the better team but we're going to have to get it done on the court."
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