GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Calvin opened its dual match season with a 9-0 win over Beltline rival Cornerstone University Thursday evening inside the Huizenga Tennis and Track Center.
Featuring a lineup of one junior, three sophomores and five freshmen, Calvin flexed its muscle inside its home facility to gain the win.
Sophomore Leah Newhof (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) cruised to a win at No. 1 singles, defeating Valentine Garcia 6-4, 6-0. Sophomore Madeline Brouwer (Hudsonville, Mich./Hudsonville HS) came up with a strong come-from-behind effort, winning 4-6, 6-0, 10-7 over Olivia Kelly at No. 2 singles.
Freshman Maria Poortenga (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS) claimed a 6-1, 6-2 win over Marissa Hooker at No. 3 singles. At four singles, freshman Maya Klopfenstein (Goshen, Ind./Concord HS) picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win over Nicole VerHulst. Freshman Grace Brown (Middleville, Mich./Thornapple-Kellogg HS) defeated Amanda VerHulst 6-1, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. Sophomore Alexis Bonner (Alto, Mich./Forest Hills Central HS) completed the singles sweep, dropping Sierra Griffith 6-0, 6-2 at No. 6 singles.
Calvin opened the match by sweeping all three doubles points. Newhof and Brouwer defeated Garcia and Hooker 8-0 at No. 1 doubles. Bonner and Poortenga picked up an 8-2 win over Kelley and Nicole VerHulst at No. 2 doubles. Junior Brittney Statema (Holland, Mich./Holland Christian HS) and Brown defeated Amanda VerHulst and Abbie Meeuwsen 8-2 at No. 3 doubles.
"It was a great start to the season," said Calvin women's tennis coach Kevin Van Haitsma. "Cornerstone is much improved. I thought it was a key to come out strong in doubles. We played with good energy and we executed very well."
Van Haitsma then noted the play of his singles lineup. "In singles, Leah played great at one singles. Maddie made some key adjustments to get the comeback at two. Our freshmen played great at 3, 4 and 5 and Alexis finished it out. It was a great start to the year. Now we hit the road and get ready for our next one.
Calvin returns to action on February 16 when it travels to Aquinas for a 4:30 p.m. conference match.
