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EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A 5-1 edge in singles sealed the deal for the women's tennis team on Thursday as they cruised to a 7-2 win over rival Aquinas in the league opener for both schools.  Davenport, ranked No. 25 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, is now 14-5 on the year.

Davenport got off to a strong start by taking two of the three doubles matches with the Lady Panthers picking up wins at No. 1 and No. 2.  Thje twin sister combo of Diana Favela and Denisse Favela cruised to an 8-2 win while the second doubles team of Stephanie Fortney and Kristi Kuzdal won 8-3.

During the singles sessions, Davenport quickly took full control of the match as they were able to post a 5-1 advantage to take the first conference point 7-2. The Favela's won easily at the top two singles while dropping only seven games.

Although DU suffered a defeat (in a tie breaker) at No. 3, the depth of the team showed off as Kuzdal fought back from a set down to take her match 2-6, 6-4, 10-4. Angelica Woods was up 5-0 before her opponent retired and Katie VanDerLaan posted a convincing 6-4, 6-0 win.

Post-Match Quotes - Patrick Grashorn

"I was very pleased with the singles play...the girls played efficient in the uncharacterisic hot weather winning most of the first sets and then rolling in the second. Kristi did a great job in fighting back from a set down against a very good player for the Saints.  Stevie also fought but did not have her A game against an AQ player who was tough."

Post-Game Notes

Davenport fell one spot from No. 24 to 25 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Top 25 Poll...DU will have three more regular season conference matches remaining against UNOH, Indiana Tech and Cornerstone...DU is in action next against Walsh University (Ohio) this weekend