Michigan State University
Purdue
Spartan Women's Tennis Derails No. 72 Boilermakers, 6-1
3/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Box Score
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State knocked off No. 72 Purdue, 6-1, on Saturday, March 26, at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility. The Spartans claimed all three double matches to jump out to an early lead before closing out the match with five victories in singles play.
"Our goal has been to get better, progress and do what we can do that is in our control," said head coach Simone Jardim. "We look better and sharper. We are competing well at every spot, and as a coach that is all you can ask for."
Junior Erin Faulkner and sophomore Allie Baer won its fourth-consecutive match as a duo, downing Krisztina Kapitany and Nicole Robinson, 6-2, to put MSU one away from clinching the doubles point. Courts two and three finished at the same time, with the same-6-3 victory for Michigan State. Senior Emily Meyers and freshman Emily Metcalf defeated Marta Ruedas-Burgos and Andjela Djokovic, while sophomore Davina Nguyen and junior Athena Trouillot beat Deborah Suarez and Claudia Escribens.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the wins are coming from as long as we win four points," Jardim said. "These wins are important for them, and it builds confidence that they can beat anybody, at anytime, at any point. They want to win so badly, so that is the difference maker."
In singles, Nguyen made quick work of Djokovic, 6-3, 6-1, for her fourth win at No. 2 singles. Faulkner put the Spartans within one of clinching their first victory over a ranked opponent this season, winning at No. 1 in convincing fashion, 6-2, 6-3.
Metcalf clinched the match with a 6-4, 6-2, victory over Suarez, getting back on the winning track after dropping just her second match last week since Jan. 23.
With the match in hand, Trouillot closed out her bout on court five with a 7-5 third-set win. She rebounded in the second set, 6-4, after dropping the opening frame to Ruedas-Burgos, 6-0. Meyers went shot-for-shot with the Boilermakers' Escribens, pulling out the match in two sets, 7-5, 7-6.
"When you look at what we have and our schedule, we trust this team and have faith in them to compete against anybody," said Jardim. "We have come close a lot this year, and today we didn't just win close, but was convincing. This was a long time coming for us. Those losses made us stronger. Tomorrow should be a good match."
Michigan State returns to action on Sunday, March 27, at the MSU Outdoor Courts against No. 63 Indiana at noon.
Players Mentioned
