ANN ARBOR, Michigan – The University of Iowa women’s tennis team opened competition at the Michigan Invitational on Friday, posting a victory in both singles and doubles play.

In singles action, the Hawkeyes took on opponents from Michigan. Sophomore Emma Tothová recorded her first win as a Hawkeye, defeating Gabriella Lindgren in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. Pia Kranholdt fell to Reese Miller, 6-0, 6-2, while Nikita Vishwase dropped a close match to Jessica Bernales, 6-3, 6-4. Eline Bex battled before falling to Laura Rahnel, 6-3, 7-6 (9). Sally Xu forced a third set against Laura Maser, but ultimately came up short, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3.

In doubles play, Kranholdt and Xu teamed up for a hard-fought 7-6 (1) victory over Matilde Parriera and Sabrina Tolstova of Eastern Michigan. Vishwase and Tothová were edged by Matilde Morais and Ellie Blackford of Michigan State, 6-4.

The Hawkeyes will continue play at the Michigan Invitational on Saturday.

“Today we had some strong, competitive matches,” said Iowa assistant coach Elise van Heuvelen Treadwell. “We came up on the short end of a few matches but are continuing to make progress. It was great to see Emma get her first win as a Hawkeye and celebrate her. We are excited for another day of competing tomorrow.”

Singles
Reese Miller (Michigan) def. Pia Kranholdt (Iowa), 6-0, 6-2
Jessica Bernales (Michigan) def. Nikita Vishwase (Iowa), 6-3, 6-4
Emma Tothová (Iowa) def. Gabriella Lindgren (Michigan), 6-3, 6-4
Laura Rahnel (Michigan) def. Eline Bex (Iowa), 6-3, 7-6 (9)
Laura Maser (Michigan) def. Sally Xu (Iowa) 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3

Doubles
Matilde Morais/Ellie Blackford (Michigan State) def. Nikita Vishwase/Emma Tothova (Iowa), 6-4
Pia Kranholdt/Sally Xu (Iowa) def. Matilde Parriera/Sabrina Tolstova (Eastern Michigan), 7-6 (1)