AKRON, Ohio – With the decision coming down to the final singles match, the Western Michigan women's tennis team dropped a 4-3 nail-biter on the road Friday afternoon inside the LaTuchie Tennis Center to the Akron Zips. The loss is the first of the Mid-American Conference season for the Broncos as they are now 11-8 overall and 2-1 in league play.

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 "We lost a close one on the road today," commented WMU head coach Ryan Tomlinson. "Credit to Akron, who played better down the stretch. We came out today playing catch up in doubles and that eventually cost us the match. We will be ready to compete again on Sunday."

The Broncos started the day winning No. 1 doubles as Barbare Eristavi and Gabriela Slovova picked up their second win together after defeating Pedroso/Uljanov 6-0 but Akron responded and clinched the doubles point with wins at three and two, in that order.

Western Michigan pulled in front 2-1 as junior Melina Lyubomirova and Denise Azcui won their matches at two and three in straight sets. The pair are now riding a six-match winning streaks with their victories over their Zip opponent. Azcui also leads the team in total wins with 16.

The Zips eventually cut the deficit and took a 3-2 advantage with wins at one and four before Slavova evened the score at three apiece with a three-set come from behind victory over Echeverry. However, Akron delivered the punch at No. 6 with a straight set win over transfer Valentina Sanchez Briend, handing the Broncos its first loss in league play.

WMU returns to action on Sunday, April 8, travelling to Buffalo to face the Bulls at 1 p.m.