Box Score KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Western Michigan women's tennis team opened its 2020 dual campaign with a 4-3 victory over Oakland at the West Hills Athletic Club. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Broncos have defeated the Golden Grizzlies in their season opener. 

"What a great win for our squad to start off the year," said head coach Ryan Tomlinson. "We were able to beat a very good Oakland team today."

The Broncos won the doubles point to jump ahead to an early 1-0 advantage. The junior pair of Jeryn Jack and Valerie Riegraf defeated Samantha Galloway and Aarja Chakraborty 6-3 at the #2 position, while senior Gabriela Slavova and freshman Lindsey Zieglar teamed up for the 6-4 victory in #3 doubles. 

"We played great in doubles and getting off to a 1-0 lead was big for us," Tomlinson remarked. "Jack and Riegraf did a wonderful job for us in the #2 spot."

Western Michigan prevailed in the first two singles contests to increase its lead over the Golden Grizzlies to 3-0, with Slavova and sophomore Kaitlyn Rogosch both winning in straight sets. Oakland fought back to within one point after taking the next two matches. Zieglar was then able to clinch the fourth and decisive point for the Broncos, winning in a third set tie-breaker after dropping the opening set against Victoria Kurz at #4 singles. 

"It was great to see Gabby playing higher than she ever has at the #2 spot and getting the win," exclaimed Tomlinson. "And then for Lindsey to battle and clinch the victory for us in her first dual match was huge."

The Broncos will host Cleveland State this Monday in a non-conference match-up at 1 p.m. to continue their 2020 dual season schedule. 

"We will enjoy this for a bit and then get back to work on preparing for another tough opponent in the Vikings," Tomlinson concluded. 

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