BLOG 3: Ferris women’s tennis team in an important stretch

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – After beginning the season 3-0, and competing in the ITA Midwest Regionals, the Ferris women’s team suffered their first tennis setback of the season in an 8-1 loss to rival Northwood in Big Rapids.

It’s no big secret the Timberwolves have built a strong set of tennis programs for their men and women and the Bulldogs knew they were in for a fight. Ferris’ lone win against Northwood was at No. 5 singles as Ann Grant won a three-set thriller over Nicole Kromer 6-2, 0-6, 10-7. Tiffany Rheynard, a previous GLIAC Player of the Week honoree, dropped a three-set contest at the No. 3 flight. The Bulldogs were competitive in No. 1 and No. 2 doubles falling 8-5 at the top flight and 8-4 in the second.

Now, however, the critical stretch begins for Ferris as it begins a string of three road matches beginning this afternoon (Oct. 3) with a road trip to Grand Valley. The Lakers have made major improvements so this contest offers Ferris another test. Following the match against the Lakers, Ferris is at Wayne State and at Findlay.

This would be a great time for head coach Alex Palladino’s squad to steal a quality win or two during this upcoming stretch of matches. The ITA National Small College Championships is after Findlay and then the Bulldogs close out the regular season at home with matches against Tiffin (Oct. 17) and Ashland (Oct. 18).

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com