Coming off a pair of dominant team performances, the Grand Valley State women’s tennis team wrapped up the regular season with the GLIAC Title Tuesday by knocking off Saginaw Valley State University 8-1.

The Lakers, who finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record, swept the doubles competition and put together a strong performance against the Cardinals (4-7).

“We beat a pretty good team (Tuesday), and it feels good to finally win the GLIAC Championship,” said senior Darylann Trout, who was victorious in the No. 5 singles and No. 1 doubles. “We have always come so close (to the title), so as a senior it’s exciting to finally win.”

Tuesday’s win marks the first regular season title for GVSU since 1980 and the program’s third overall. The team finished second in the GLIAC last year behind 2010 runner-up Northwood University, who had won the previous seven titles.

“Getting to this point has been a gradual process,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “Northwood won a lot of titles, but we have just gotten better as a team every year to get here.”

The Lakers brought a balanced attack. From seniors, such as Trout, to the freshmen, such as standout Lexi Rice, the success in both the doubles and singles helped the team get out to a fast start to the season.

“It’s exciting that I’m helping GVSU and the team,” said Rice, who has a team-best 16-1 singles record. “We’ve had the same production all season. A strong start helped, and we’ve continuing to improve every match.”

Despite the windy weather, the team put together a complete effort in both competitions. Junior Tara Hayes defeated Yunjiao Shang Guan (1-6, 6-3, 10-6) while freshman Niki Shipman suffered the GVSU’s only loss to Saginaw Valley’s Andrea Calhoun (6-3, 6-4). Senior Chelsea Johnston, Rice, Trout and senior Jackie Shipman all won their singles matches for GVSU. In doubles, the teams of Johnston/Trout (No.1), Katelyn Schaffer/Alyssa Lucas (No.2) and Shipman/Rice (No.3) all cruised to wins.

The return of Hayes, the team’s No. 1 singles player, was also a positive sign for a team on its way to the GLIAC tournament this weekend in Midland, Mich. Hayes, who missed parts of the season with an injury, won after only a day of practice before her return.

“Our team is very even from No. 1 to No. 11,” Black said. “Doubles are our strength, and because we can jump out to 2-1 or 3-0 leads early puts the pressure on the other team to play better in doubles and singles.”

GVSU will open the GLIAC tournament against Lake Superior State University at 6:45 p.m. on Friday at the Midland Community Tennis Center.

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