Ezzo Remains Unbeaten But Lakers Pick Up First Loss :: Mercyhurst had won its first five matches of the year.

Sept. 21, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst freshman Kim Ezzo remained unbeaten in dual match play, but the Mercyhurst women's tennis team lost for the first time in an 8-1 defeat to conference opponent Grand Valley State Friday.

Ezzo improved to 6-0 in dual match play, including 3-0 in conference, after pulling out a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Grand Valley's Audrey Koopsen at No. 2 singles. But that was the only match Mercyhurst would win as the team fell to 5-1 on the year and 2-1 in GLIAC play.

Mercyhurst hung tough in doubles play but was unable to pick up a victory in a pair of close matches. Christine Mersch and Elizabeth Mullane lost 9-7 at No. 3, while Jaclyn McLean and Meghan Raynor lost 8-5 at No. 2.

In singles play, the depth of Grand Valley State's lineup was apparent. Raynor, Mullane and Kelton Macke entered the match with a combined record of 10-1 in singles play this year at the bottom of the lineup, but Grand Valley dropped just one game against those three opponents.

Mercyhurst was more competitive at the top of the lineup as McLean lost 6-2, 6-4 at No. 3 and Daly lost 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1 to go with Ezzo's victory at No. 2.

The Lakers will attempt to bounce back Saturday when Mercyhurst hosts GLIAC opponent Ferris State at 10 a.m.